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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
Immunological Reviews
|March 29, 2002
Summary
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.