macrophage

Morphology: Diameter 30_M-80 _M, abundant cytoplasm, low N/C ratio, eccentric nucleus. Irregular shape with pseudopods, highly adhesive. Contain vacuoles and phagosomes, may contain azurophilic granules; markers: Mouse & Human: CD68, in most cases CD11b. Mouse: in most cases F4/80+; role or process: immune, antigen presentation, & tissue remodelling; lineage: hematopoietic, myeloid.

macrophage

Macrophages are specialized white blood cells involved in immune responses, inflammation, and tissue repair. Tissue-resident macrophages can be self-renewing and arise from embryo-derived populations. Macrophages can also originate from circulating monocytes that differentiate into macrophages upon migration into body tissues. Macrophages are involved in the detection, phagocytosis, and destruction of bacteria and other pathogens. They are also responsible for engulfing and removing dead cells and debris. Macrophages are also one of the cells that present pathogenic antigens to T cells so that the pathogens may be recognized and killed, or so that an antibody response may be mounted. They can also secrete cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes that further orchestrate the immune response. Tissue-resident macrophages are diverse and heterogenous, likely as a result of the signals received from the tissue environment. The functions of these macrophages are specific to each tissue and contribute to tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of macrophage functioning may also contribute to the development of various disease processes, such as fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or cancer. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.)

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CL:0000235

histiocyte