ScienCell's GeneQuery™ Human Macrophage Polarization Markers qPCR Array Kit (GQH-MPP) is designed to facilitate gene expression profiling of 40 marker genes involved in macrophage polarization, which has important implications for regulating innate immunological functions and maintaining homeostasis. Macrophages can be stimulated to distinct functional phenotypes: M1 (classically activated) macrophages, M2 (alternatively activated) macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages. The M2 phenotype can be further divided into M2a, M2b, M2c and M2d subsets based on surface markers and cytokine profiles. Brief examples of how included genes may be grouped according to their functions are shown below:     

• M1 macrophage markers: TNF, IL1B/6/12A/23A, MMP9, IFNG, CD68/80/86, IL1R1, TLR2/4, NOS2
• M2a macrophage markers: TGFB1, IL10, CD163, MRC1, CD200R1, IL1R1/2
• M2b macrophage markers: CD86, IL1B/6/10, TNF
• M2c macrophage markers: IL10, TGFB1, CD163, TLR1/8
• M2d macrophage markers: IL10/12A, TNF, VEGFA, TGFB1
• Tumor-associated macrophage markers: TGFB1, CD68/163, NOS2, HIF1A, CCL2, PECAM1
• Activation/resting markers: HLA-DQA1/B1, HLA-DRA/B1, STAT1/3/6, SOCS3, NFKB1, IRF4, KLF4, PPARG, FABP4, BMP7

Note: all gene names follow their official symbols by the Human Genome Organization Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC).

GeneQuery™ qPCR array kits are qPCR ready in a 96-well plate format, with each well containing one primer set that can specifically recognize and efficiently amplify a target gene's cDNA. The carefully designed primers ensure that: (i) the optimal annealing temperature in qPCR analysis is 65°C (with 2 mM Mg²⁺, and no DMSO); (ii) the primer set recognizes all known transcript variants of target gene, unless otherwise indicated; and (iii) only one gene is amplified. Each primer set has been validated by qPCR with melt curve analysis, and gel electrophoresis.