Macrophages are the first line of defense of the organism against pathogens and, in
response to the microenvironment, become differentially activated. In the presence of IL-4
and IL-13, cytokines that are produced in a Th-2 type response, particularly during allergy
and parasitic infections, macrophages become differentially activated. Alternative activated
macrophages play an important role in the protection of the host by decreasing inflammation
and promoting tissues repair. However, alternative activation of macrophages also …