Dynamic changes of macrophage activation in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis

•Macrophages are polarized to M1 phenotype during the enteral stages in T. spiralis infection mice.•M1 macrophages played an important role in adult worm expulsion during the enteral infection stage.•Macrophages were mainly activated as M2 subtype in the NBL migration and capsule formation stages.•M2 macrophages participated in tissue repair and immune escape during late infection period.•Our study reveals further details of the interaction between T. spiralis and the host immune system.