Advances in the role of macrophage polarization in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a kind of chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Macrophages, as the main host cells against MTB, play a crucial role in the natural and acquired immune response of the body. Under the stimulation of different inducing factors, macrophages can be polarized to M1-type macrophages and M2-type macrophages, which play different functions in the progression of tuberculosis. Further studies on the polarization signaling pathway of macrophages and dynamic balance between M1 and M2-type macrophages cells have provide a new way to explore the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. In addition, due to the importance of macrophage polarization in the development of MTB infection, the formation of tuberculous granuloma and prognosis of tuberculosis, the in-depth study on macrophages polarization will contribute to the development of new tuberculosis vaccines and immune agents, and lay an important theoretical foundation for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Macrophage polarization; Tuberculous granuloma