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An In vitro Model to Study Heterogeneity of Human Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization
Published on: June 12, 2013
Rat macrophages: membrane glycoproteins in differentiation and function
T K van den Berg1, E A Döpp, C D Dijkstra
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. t.van_den_berg.cell@med.vu.nl
Abstract:
Macrophages (mphi) play a crucial role in the immune system. The rat offers unique advantages for studying the biology of mphi. Firstly, monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against many rat mphi surface glycoproteins have become available. These have not only demonstrated a considerable heterogeneity among mphi, but have also allowed the characterization of various mphi surface molecules in terms of structure, expression regulation and function. Furthermore, substantial numbers of rat mphi can be isolated from various sites (e.g. blood, peritoneal cavity, lung and other tissues), enabling proper molecular and functional analysis of these mphi populations. Finally, a number of (unique) experimental models for human diseases have been developed in the rat, making possible the evaluation of the involvement of mphi in pathogenesis. For this, a method for the selective elimination of mphi from various tissues in vivo has proven very useful. Here, we will review the contribution that the rat has made to understanding the immunobiology of mphi. In particular, we will discuss the surface (glyco)proteins on rat mphi in differentiation and function, and the involvement of mphi in rat models of disease.
Insights
The rat is a valuable model for studying immune cells called macrophages (mphi). Research using rat models advances understanding of macrophage biology and their role in diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Macrophages (mphi) are vital immune cells.
- The rat presents unique advantages for macrophage research.
- Availability of monoclonal antibodies against rat mphi surface glycoproteins reveals heterogeneity and allows characterization of mphi surface molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the contribution of the rat to understanding macrophage immunobiology.
- To discuss rat macrophage surface glycoproteins in differentiation and function.
- To examine the involvement of macrophages in rat models of human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of substantial numbers of rat mphi from various sites (blood, peritoneal cavity, lung, etc.).
- Molecular and functional analysis of isolated mphi populations.
- Utilizing experimental rat models for human diseases.
- Employing methods for selective in vivo elimination of mphi.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated considerable heterogeneity among rat mphi.
- Characterization of rat mphi surface molecules regarding structure, expression regulation, and function.
- Rat models facilitate evaluation of mphi involvement in disease pathogenesis.
- Selective mphi elimination in vivo aids in studying their role in disease.
Conclusions:
- The rat is an indispensable model for advancing macrophage immunobiology research.
- Understanding rat mphi surface glycoproteins is key to their differentiation and function.
- Rat models are crucial for elucidating macrophage involvement in disease processes.
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