C-reactive protein polarizes human macrophages to an M1 phenotype and inhibits transformation to the M2 phenotype.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Inflammation is pivotal in atherosclerosis. Monocyte-macrophages are crucial in atherosclerosis. Monocytes can develop into subsets: classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated cells. Several studies point to a proinflammatory role for C-reactive protein (CRP). Because there is a paucity of data on the effects of CRP on macrophage phenotype, we tested effects of CRP on macrophage polarization.

Methods and results

Monocytes were incubated with CRP (0 to 50 μg/mL) and differentiated into macrophages for 7 days. Phenotypic characterization of M1 and M2 macrophages was performed using flow cytometry. CRP treatment resulted in increased population of M1 macrophages (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]/interleukin [IL]-12/C-C chemokine receptor 2, TNF/IL-12/monocyte chemota

SUBMITTER: Devaraj S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3099471 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature