Membrane Molecules as Differentiation Antigens of Murine Macrophages

Abstract

Publisher Summary The membrane molecules play an important role in all aspects of macrophage immunobiology. Some of the roles played by them are as receptors for growth and differentiation factors, as chemokines and lymphokines, as recognition and adhesion molecules for cellular and microbial ligands, and as regulators of cell signaling and gene expression. They determine and modulate homeostatic interactions with the host, contribute to innate and adaptive immunity, and mediate many of the pathological consequences of deficient or excessive activation. Some general aspects of macrophage heterogeneity are summarized and the differential expression of macrophage antigens is considered in this chapter as a function of tissue localization and cellular activity. Some of the differentiation antigens expressed by murine monocytes and macrophages are discussed—namely, EGF-TM7 antigens, IgSF antigens, and lectins. There are a number of molecules that function as scavenger receptors, several of which lack collagenous domains. Two such well-characterized antigens that play crucial roles in macrophage biology are scavenger receptor and MARCO.