Macrophage Activation

Macrophages are the sentinels of the immune system whose role has evolved beyond providing aseptic conditions to homeostasis, immune regulation, development, and behaviour. These cells have varied ontogenetic origins which reflects in their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. Macrophage functions are fine-tuned by exogenous and endogenous signals and once tweaked, the information is included in their genetic makeup, albeit not indefinitely. Subversion of the macrophage functions is the hallmark of many pathogenic organisms and modulation of macrophage activity is pivotal to many therapeutic strategies. Fascinating and rapid developments in this field have necessitated the maintenance of currency of knowledge. This book provides a current account of information on varied topics in macrophage biology. Literature surveys have been presented in a captivating and lucid language. The contributing authors have also provided brief accounts of their own research. Every chapter provides a future perspective of what more could be achieved in the context of the current knowledge. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in microbiology, immunobiology, translational research, pathology, and related fields.

Immunobiology of the Macrophage presents an account of the state of knowledge of the immunobiology of the macrophage. The book's contributors-immunologists of diverse scientific and geographic backgrounds-have been encouraged to give personal accounts of developments in their special fields of interest as well as critical surveys of the backgrounds leading to these developments. The book begins with a study on the functions of macrophages in the initiation and regulation of antibody responses in vitro. This is followed by separate chapters on topics such as the role of macrophages in making an ...

The amazing world of the mononuclear phagocytes keeps expanding at a truly awesome pace. As a result, maintaining currency with the latest developments and controversies that pertain to this cell type is increasingly difficult. The aspects covered in this volume have been selected to provide an overview of subject areas that either have recently become much better understood or hold the promise of new levels of understanding as they are developed in the future. The scope of topics ranges from how these cells develop, through the means that are used to regulate them, to the roles that they have in different tissues and in a variety of infectious diseases.

A strong clinical emphasis is present throughout this volume from the first section of commonly presenting problems through to the section addressing problems shared with a range of other clinical sub-specialties.

Macrophages are core components of the innate immune system. Once activated, they may have either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects that include pathogen killing, safe disposal of apoptotic cells or tissue renewal. The activation state of macrophages is conceptualized by the so-called M1/M2 model of polarization. M2 macrophages are not simply antagonists of M1 macrophages; rather, they represent a network of tissue resident macrophages with roles in tissue development and organ homeostasis. M2 macrophages govern functions at the interfaces of immunity, tissue development and turnover, metabolism, and endocrine signaling. Dysfunction in M2 macrophages can ruin the healthy interplay between the immune system and metabolic processes, and lead to diseases such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, M2 macrophages are essential for healthy tissue development and immunological self-tolerance. Worryingly, these functions of M2 macrophages can also be disrupted, resulting in tumor growth and autoimmunity. This book comprehensively discusses the biology of M2 macrophages, summarizes the current state of knowledge, and highlights key questions that remain unanswered.

Historically, the study of immunology has focused to a large extent on the central role of antigen recognition and antibody structure and function in the response of the host to infection. In the last two decades, however, scientists have been turning their attention to the involvement of various cell types in host defense. This volume provides a collection of absorbing reviews written by expert scientists on this developing topic. A broad range of material is included relating to the molecular and cell biology of the macrophage and its host defence activity in human disease. The important role that these cells play in hemopoiesis and the functioning of the nervous system is also discussed. Advanced students and researchers in immunology, cell biology, and medicine will find The Macrophage a valuable source of current research into this emerging field.