process where immune cells change roles based on signals
Macrophage polarization refers to the process by which macrophages, a type of immune cell, change their functional state in response to different signals in their environment. They can adopt a pro-inflammatory state (M1) to fight infections or a healing state (M2) to repair tissues. This ability to switch roles is crucial for maintaining balance in the immune system and is important in conditions like infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.