Macrophage Subtypes in Dermatological Diseases: Implications for Pathogenesis and Therapy

Macrophages (Ms) are essential innate immune cells that play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and defending against infection. They exhibit significant heterogeneity and plasticity, enabling differentiation into various subtypes in response to distinct microenvironmental cues. Recent advances have illuminated the roles of classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) types and other specialized macrophage subpopulations in inflammatory skin diseases, wound healing, autoimmune disorders, and other dermatological conditions. Targeting key molecules or markers involved in macrophage subtype differentiation—such as STAT3, STAT6, and CD163—offers promising therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of dermatological diseases.