Macrophages in the Human Body: A Tissue Level Approach

Through recent research, there has been a significant number of findings  involving the biology of macrophages. Beyond the 1st line of defense,  macrophages have several specific characteristics across different  tissues, organs, and systems. Macrophages comprehend a heterogeneous  phagocytic population with wide range phenotypes, and tissue-specific  functions, such as bone resorption, extracellular matrix production, red  blood cells and bacteria removal, among others. Through innate immune  receptors macrophages can modulate several pathways that culminate in  the production of various types of inflammatory mediators such as  chemokines, cytokines, oxygen reactive species, and lipid mediators  which ultimately altered the behavior of other cells. Moreover,  environment signals modify and induce metabolic reprograming that it  alters phenotype and functions.

Macrophages in the Human Body: A  Tissue Level Approach presents a current overview of the diversity of  macrophages across multiple human body systems, their phenotype,  function and metabolic characteristics. It covers translational aspects  where there is research support to indicate the therapeutic potential.