macrophagederived

Macrophage-derived is a term used in biology to describe molecules, vesicles, or other factors that originate from macrophages, a diverse group of immune cells derived from monocytes and residing in tissues. Macrophages participate in host defense, tissue remodeling, and homeostasis, and their secretory profile adapts to local cues, a phenomenon known as polarization into pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 states. The macrophage-derived milieu includes cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12; anti-inflammatory IL-10; chemokines such as CCL2 (MCP-1) and CXCL8; growth factors such as VEGF and TGF-β; proteases like MMP-9; lipid mediators; and extracellular vesicles such as exosomes carrying proteins and microRNAs.

In addition to soluble mediators, macrophages release extracellular vesicles that influence neighboring cells and modulate immune responses. The term macrophage-derived can refer to products from various macrophage populations, including tissue-resident macrophages in the lung, liver, brain, and other organs, as well as macrophages derived from circulating monocytes.

The descriptor is used to specify cellular origin rather than a single molecule. Macrophage-derived mediators play key roles in health and disease, contributing to inflammatory and infectious processes, tissue repair, and cancer biology. Abnormal or sustained macrophage-derived signaling can drive pathological inflammation, promote tumor progression, or, alternatively, support resolution and healing, depending on the context and polarization state.