Monocytes and Macrophages

MACROPHAGES play a central and essential part in the immune response by presenting antigen to lymphocytes during the development of specific immunity and by serving as supportive, "accessory" cells to lymphocytes, at least partly by releasing soluble factors. Macrophages also carry out the fundamental protective functions of ingesting and killing invading organisms, and as has recently been discovered, they release an enormous number of factors involved in host defense and inflammation. Adding to the excitement of those who study macrophages is the increasing understanding of how these cells can be "activated" pharmacologically to carry out their protective role more effectively. . . .