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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
08:08
In Vitro Stimulation and Visualization of Extracellular Trap Release in Differentiated Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages
Published on: November 1, 2019
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Human monocyte stimulation by experimental whole body hyperthermia
Maria Zellner1, Nicole Hergovics, Erich Roth
1Surgical Research Laboratories, University of Vienna, Austria. mariazellner@akh-wien.ac.at
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|June 14, 2002
Summary
Fever directly activates monocytes, enhancing their response to bacterial infections. This study shows hyperthermia increases monocyte receptors and boosts their ability to fight pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Physiology
Background:
- Fever, an acute-phase response, is linked to improved survival and reduced disease duration during infection.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying fever's beneficial effects remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hyperthermia on human monocyte function.
- To understand how elevated body temperature influences immune cell responses.
Main Methods:
- Healthy volunteers underwent a hot water bath to induce hyperthermia (39.5°C).
- Monocyte receptor expression (CD14, CD11b, CD62L) was analyzed before and after hyperthermia.
- In vitro hyperthermia and ex vivo lipopolysaccharide stimulation assays were performed.
Main Results:
- Hyperthermia upregulated CD14 and CD11b expression on monocytes.
- Hyperthermia downregulated CD62L expression on monocytes.
- Monocyte response to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) was enhanced post-hyperthermia, indicated by increased TNF-alpha release.
Conclusions:
- Elevated body temperature directly activates monocytes.
- Hyperthermia enhances monocyte ability to respond to bacterial challenges, suggesting a direct role in fever's protective effects.
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