Functional genomics of the inflammatory response: where are we now?

Inflammation is a tightly regulated process that is achieved through the specific and controlled activation of innate immune system cells, notably neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells. Functional genomics studies in the last years have contributed to an integrated picture of the events controlling macrophage specialization and plasticity. Here we will summarize recent advances in the characterization of the molecular determinants of macrophage functional properties, and specifically how the interplay between genomic and epigenomic information, transcription factors and micro-environmental cues results in a fine-tuned transcriptional response.