Trypsin, tryptase, and thrombin bias monocyte differentiation towards an M2a phenotype.

<p>PBMC were cultured in serum-free media in the presence or absence of trypsin, tryptase, or thrombin. Macrophages <b>(A, C)</b> and fibrocytes <b>(B, D)</b> were counted by morphology from representative fields of view. <b>(A)</b> and <b>(B)</b> were performed by eye, while <b>(C)</b> and <b>(D)</b> show analysis of staining intensity. Cells were stained for the indicated markers. Values are mean ± SEM, n = 6. * indicates p < .05, ** p < .01, and *** p < .001 compared to the no-protease control (paired two-tailed t-tests). <b>(E)</b> A representative image analyzed by CellProfiler. <b>(F)</b> The detected cells are shown as solid colors. <b>(G)</b> Cells identified as macrophages are outlined in red by the program, while cells identified as fibrocytes are outlined in green. Bars are 50 μm.