Macrophage activation governs schistosomiasis-induced inflammation and fibrosis

Macrophages regulate the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of chronic inflammatory responses and their function depends on their activation status. Studies in mice infected with the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni have been particularly helpful in defining the in vivo function of classically and alternatively activated macrophages (AAM phi s). These studies have shown that AAM phi s protect mice from acute and chronic S. mansoni infection through distinct mechanisms, which are discussed in this Viewpoint.