Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Functional Characterization of Regulatory Macrophages That Inhibit Graft-reactive Immunity
Published on: June 7, 2017
An anatomical view on macrophages in tolerance
Fredrik Wermeling1, Mikael C I Karlsson, Tracy L McGaha
1Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Macrophages are divided into several functional subtypes involved in host defence, wound healing and immune regulation. In an alternate view, increased understanding of macrophage biology can also be gained by including anatomical location as a parameter. The focus of this review lies on tolerogenic features of macrophages relevant for autoimmune disease. The importance of macrophages as janitors clearing apoptotic cells and debris is seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) where a clearance defect often is connected to disease induction and progression. The apoptotic debris can be encountered by the macrophage in multiple anatomical compartments including the circulation but also in areas of intense cell death such as in the thymus and germinal center were tight regulation is important.
Related Concept Videos
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses

