Macrophage: Difference between revisions
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A cellular element of the [[Innate immune system|innate immune system]], these phagocytic [[White blood cells|white blood cells]] are the first to respond to infection. They also play a role in [[ | A cellular element of the [[Innate immune system|innate immune system]], these phagocytic [[White blood cells|white blood cells]] are the first to respond to infection. They also play a role in [[Immune response|inflammation of]] tissues. When activated, they become [[Antigen presenting cells|antigen presenting cells]] as well as producing [[Chemokines|chemokines]] and [[Cytokines|cytokines]] <ref>Janeways ImmunoBiology, Murphy K. et al., 2008, 7th ed.</ref>. They work by engulfing pathogens detected by the immune system and engulfing them. The newly engulfed pathogen is then bound to a [[Phagosome|phagosome]] and [[Lysosome|lysosome]] which release enzymes and toxic chemicals that digest the pathogen. | ||
=== References === | === References === | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 11:50, 20 October 2014
A cellular element of the innate immune system, these phagocytic white blood cells are the first to respond to infection. They also play a role in inflammation of tissues. When activated, they become antigen presenting cells as well as producing chemokines and cytokines [1]. They work by engulfing pathogens detected by the immune system and engulfing them. The newly engulfed pathogen is then bound to a phagosome and lysosome which release enzymes and toxic chemicals that digest the pathogen.
References
- ↑ Janeways ImmunoBiology, Murphy K. et al., 2008, 7th ed.