Over the past 20 years, there has been an emerging appreciation about the role of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) to control and eradicate pathogens. Likewise, there have been significant advances in dissecting the mechanisms involved in the microbial subversion of MPS cells, mainly affecting their differentiation and effector functions. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial ...

The evolutionarily conserved immune system of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), in combination with its genetic tractability, position it as an excellent model system in which to elucidate the origin and function of vertebrate immune cells. We recently reported the existence of antigen-presenting mononuclear phagocytes in zebrafish, namely macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), but have been impaire...

The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) constitutes dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages. This system contributes to various functions that are essential for maintaining homeostasis, activation of innate immunity, and bridging it with the adaptive immunity. Consequently, MPS is highly important in bolstering immunity against the pathogens. However, MPS is the frontline cells in destroying...

It is over 125 years since Ilya Metchnikoff described the significance of phagocytosis. In this review, we examine the early origins and development of macrophage research continuing after his death in 1916, through the period of the reticuloendothelial system. Studies on these cells resulted in a substantial literature spanning immunology, hematology, biochemistry, and pathology. Early histolo...

Infection of the central nervous system by HIV-1 results in widespread neuropathology and neurological symptoms. The cells infected in the brain belong to the mononuclear phagocyte lineage. We review aspects of the biology of the macrophage populations associated with the central nervous system and consider their distribution, phenotype, and kinetics in relation to HIV pathology.

PURPOSE Nutrients and immunological factors of breast milk are essential for newborn growth and the development of their immune system, but this secretion can contain organic and inorganic toxins such as barium. Colostrum contamination with barium is an important issue to investigate because this naturally occurring element is also associated with human activity and industrial pollution. The st...

Plasma membrane receptors control macrophage activities such as growth, differentiation and activation, migration, recognition, endocytosis and secretion. They are therefore important in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes including host defence, inflammation and repair, involving all systems of the body including the arterial wall and nervous system. The versatile responsi...