Macrophages

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and anything else that does not have the types of proteins specific to healthy body cells on its surface in a process called phagocytosis. They are found in essentially all tissues, where they patrol for potential pathogens by amoeboid motion.

Function

Macrophages are highly specialized in removal of dying or dead cells and cellular debris. This role is important in chronic inflammation, as the early stages of inflammation are dominated by neutrophil granulocytes, which are ingested by macrophages if they come of age.

Types

There are two main forms of macrophages: M1 and M2. M1 macrophages are involved in host defense and are activated by interferon gamma (IFNγ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). M2 macrophages are involved in tissue repair and are activated by interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13).

Role in disease

Macrophages play a key role in many diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. In cancer, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can influence the progression of the disease by promoting growth, survival and invasion of tumor cells.

See also

• Monocyte
• Dendritic cell
• Neutrophil granulocyte
• Phagocyte
• Phagocytosis

Macrophages Resources
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