What Do We Really Know About Macrophage Programming?

Macrophages are white blood cells that specialize in the detection, phagocytosis and destruction of bacteria and other harmful organisms. They can also present antigens to T cells and initiate inflammation by releasing cytokines, which activate other cells.

In other words, when fighting bacteria, the macrophages are programmed to be pro-inflammatory. However, when they are programmed to be anti-inflammatory, they can help decrease inflammation.