Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that are an essential part of the immune system. They play a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity and are involved in various functions, including phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and the secretion of inflammatory molecules. Macrophages are found in tissues throughout the body and are particularly important for defending against infections and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
The Role of Macrophage Biomarkers
Macrophage identification and the quantification of macrophage biomarkers allow for the characterization of these immune cells under various physiological and pathological contexts, aiding in the understanding of immune responses, disease mechanisms, and the development of potential therapies. Macrophage protein biomarkers provide information about the activation state (M1 vs. M2) state of these cells to understand their role in inflammation and immune responses. Some biomarkers yield prognostic information about disease outcomes and can predict cancer aggressiveness. Furthermore, macrophage biomarkers are relevant to developing immunotherapies or treatments targeting macrophages, such as therapies for cancer or inflammatory conditions,
The choice of which macrophage cell biomarkers to measure depends on the specific goals of the analysis and the research context. NeoBiotechnologies offers a variety of validated antibodies targeting macrophage cell protein biomarkers that are guaranteed to yield accurate and reliable results. A list of our specific and sensitive antibodies and their intended applications is shown in the table below.
Notable dendritic cell markers include:
- CD14: a cell surface marker expressed on monocytes, macrophages, and some other immune cells. It is often used to identify and distinguish these cell types.
- CD68: a cell surface marker associated with macrophages and monocytes. It is commonly used for macrophage identification.
- CD163: a marker expressed by macrophages, particularly those associated with anti-inflammatory or tissue-repair functions. It is considered a marker for M2-type macrophages.
- HLA-DR (Human Leukocyte Antigen – DR isotype): an MHC class II molecule expressed on the surface of macrophages, which plays a role in antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells.
- CD86 (B7-2): a co-stimulatory molecule expressed by macrophages and other antigen-presenting cells. It plays a role in T cell activation.
- CD80 (B7-1): a co-stimulatory molecule expressed on macrophages and other APCs.
- CD206 (Mannose Receptor): a marker associated with some subtypes of macrophages, particularly those involved in antigen uptake and immune regulation.
- iNOS (Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase): an enzyme expressed by macrophages involved in producing nitric oxide, which plays a role in immune responses and inflammation.
- Arginase-1 (Arg1): an enzyme expressed by a subset of macrophages with anti-inflammatory functions.
- CD11b (Integrin alpha M): expressed on the surface of macrophages and is involved in cell adhesion and immune functions.