Osteopontin Augments M2 Microglia Response and Separates M1- and M2-Polarized Microglial Activation in Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia.

Microglial activation and M1 and M2 polarization have distinct but overlapping spatial patterns in permanent focal ischemia. Data suggest that OPN is involved in separating M1 and M2 subpopulations, as well as in shifting microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype modulating beneficially inflammatory responses after focal infarction.