Mechanisms of M2 polarization in pulmonary fibrosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT6 are the most important participants in M2 polarization. Cytokines or other molecules drive M2 polarization by activating STAT3 and STAT6. MDB2, CpG binding domain 2; Start1, spliceosome associated factor 1; Cu, Zn-SOD, Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase; Chop, C/EBP homologous protein; PPAR-γ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ.