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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Simultaneous Study of the Recruitment of Monocyte Subpopulations Under Flow In Vitro
Published on: November 26, 2018
The CD14+ CD16+ blood monocytes: their role in infection and inflammation
1Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Medical Sciences Building, University Road, Leicester, UK. lzh1@le.ac.uk
Abstract:
Blood monocyte subpopulations have been defined in man initially, and the two major types of monocytes are the CD14++ CD16- and the CD14+ CD16+ monocytes. These cells have been shown to exhibit distinct phenotype and function, and the CD14+ CD16+ were labeled proinflammatory based on higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines and higher potency in antigen presentation. The current review describes these properties, including the relationship to dendritic cells, and summarizes the host of publications about CD14+ CD16+ monocytes in inflammation and infectious disease in man, all of which suggest a crucial role of these cells in the disease processes. The review also covers the more recent description of homologues of these cells in other model species, which is expected to better define the role of monocyte subsets in disease.
Insights
The CD14+ CD16+ monocyte subset is proinflammatory, crucial in human inflammation and infectious diseases. Research in model species may further clarify the role of these monocyte subpopulations in disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human blood monocytes comprise two major subsets: CD14++ CD16- and CD14+ CD16+.
- The CD14+ CD16+ subset exhibits distinct proinflammatory phenotypes and functions, including potent antigen presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties of CD14+ CD16+ monocytes.
- To summarize their role in human inflammation and infectious diseases.
- To discuss homologous cells in model species for further disease research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publications on monocyte subpopulations.
- Analysis of distinct phenotypes and functions of CD14++ CD16- and CD14+ CD16+ monocytes.
- Comparison with dendritic cells and homologous cells in other species.
Main Results:
- CD14+ CD16+ monocytes are characterized by higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines.
- These cells demonstrate enhanced potency in antigen presentation compared to CD14++ CD16- monocytes.
- Extensive literature supports a crucial role for CD14+ CD16+ monocytes in human inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Conclusions:
- CD14+ CD16+ monocytes are key players in host defense and disease pathogenesis.
- Understanding these cells and their homologs in animal models is vital for advancing disease research.
- Further investigation into monocyte subset functions will refine our understanding of immune responses in disease.
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