Abstract

Monocytes and macrophages are part of the body's first line of defence, eliminating pathogens by phagocytosis or by releasing a broad array of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and proteases. In humans, 3 subsets of monocytes are described in blood with seemingly different functions, the classical (CD14CD16) monocytes, the intermediate (CD14CD16) monocytes, and the nonclassical (CD14CD16) monocytes. In the intestine, macrophages can be divided into resident and inflammatory macrophages that are distinguished by low and high expression of CD14, respectively. However, the roles and function of the 3 monocyte subsets in health and disease are not fully understood. In this review, we describe what is known about the origin of human intestinal macrophages and their blood monocytic counterparts and many of their numerous distinct mechanisms influencing the intestinal immune system.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.