Abstract

The microenvironment surrounding macrophages, known as the macrophage niche, plays a pivotal role in dictating their behavior and function. Among the myriad factors that shape this niche, cytokines emerge as key regulators, orchestrating macrophage polarization, survival, and function. This abstract provides a succinct overview of the crucial role of cytokines in maintaining the macrophage niche. It highlights their influence on macrophage polarization towards distinct functional phenotypes, their involvement in regulating macrophage survival, and their profound impact on macrophage function within tissues. Dysregulation of cytokine signaling pathways within the macrophage niche underlies the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Understanding the dynamic interplay between cytokines and macrophages holds promise for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating macrophage behavior and ameliorating disease progression.