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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Characterization of Human Monocyte Subsets by Whole Blood Flow Cytometry Analysis
Published on: October 17, 2018
Human monocyte heterogeneity--a nephrological perspective
Kyrill S Rogacev1, Gunnar H Heine
1Saarland University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology and Hypertension, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
Insights
CD16+ monocytes, often called proinflammatory monocytes, are linked to poor cardiovascular outcomes in end-stage renal disease patients. Dialysis temporarily reduces these monocytes, but their levels and changes predict patient health.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Monocytes are crucial innate immune cells and precursors to tissue macrophages.
- Human monocytes are heterogeneous, classified into three subsets based on CD14 and CD16 expression: CD14++CD16-, CD14++CD16+, and CD14(+)CD16+.
- CD16+ monocytes (the latter two subsets) are elevated in inflammatory states like end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional differences and pathophysiological roles of distinct human monocyte subsets.
- To explore the significance of CD16+ monocyte kinetics in ESRD patients undergoing dialysis.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to distinguish and quantify monocyte subsets based on CD14 and CD16 expression.
- Analysis of monocyte counts before and after dialysis sessions in ESRD patients.
- Correlation analysis between monocyte subset levels/kinetics and cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Results:
- Each dialysis session causes a transient decrease in CD16+ monocytes (monocytopenia).
- Elevated predialysis counts of CD16+ monocytes are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD.
- Dialysis-induced changes in CD16+ monocyte counts also predict cardiovascular events.
Conclusions:
- CD16+ monocyte counts and their dynamic changes during dialysis are significant predictors of cardiovascular risk in ESRD.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functional distinctions and precise roles of monocyte subsets in disease pathogenesis.
Abstract:
Monocytes are key components of the innate immune system and are circulating precursors of tissue macrophages. Phenotypically and functionally, monocytes are a heterogeneous leukocyte subset. Based on the expression of CD14 and CD16, three human monocyte subsets can be distinguished: CD14++CD16-, CD14++CD16+ and CD14(+)CD16+ monocytes. The latter two subsets are often summarized as CD16+ monocytes. As these CD16+ cells are expanded in inflammatory conditions including end-stage renal disease, they have traditionally been termed proinflammatory monocytes, which is in contrast to murine monocyte nomenclature. More, each dialysis session induces a transient CD16+ monocytopenia.. In end-stage renal disease, both higher predialytic counts of CD16+ monocytes, and dialysis-induced CD16+ monocyte kinetic are predictors of cardiovascular outcome. So far, the functional differences of monocyte subsets and their pathophysiological role are still insufficiently understood.
