Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Published on: October 17, 2017
Monocyte trafficking in acute and chronic inflammation
Molly A Ingersoll1, Andrew M Platt, Stephane Potteaux
1Department of Gene and Cell Medicine and the Immunology Institute, 1425 Madison Avenue, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York 10029, USA. mollyingersoll@gmail.com
Trends in Immunology
|June 14, 2011
Summary
Monocyte trafficking, crucial for immune responses and tissue repair, differs between acute and chronic inflammation. Understanding these pathways is key for treating inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Monocytes are key immune cells involved in inflammation, tissue repair, and pathogen clearance.
- Recruited monocytes differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells, influencing adaptive immunity.
- Dysregulated monocyte activity contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore monocyte trafficking mechanisms in acute inflammation.
- To compare monocyte migration in acute (microbial infection models) versus chronic inflammation (atherosclerosis models).
- To identify common themes and critical differences in monocyte migratory pathways across diverse inflammatory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review and comparison of data from microbial infection models for acute inflammation.
- Analysis of experimental models of atherosclerosis for chronic inflammation.
- Examination of environmental signals dictating monocyte mobilization and differentiation.
Main Results:
- Monocyte mobilization and differentiation are directed by environmental signals at inflammatory sites.
- Distinct migratory pathways exist for monocytes in acute versus chronic inflammatory settings.
- Shared principles govern monocyte trafficking in various inflammatory diseases, alongside unique characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Monocyte trafficking exhibits both conserved and distinct features depending on the inflammatory context (acute vs. chronic).
- Understanding these differences is vital for developing targeted therapies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
- Further research into monocyte migratory pathways can elucidate pathogenesis and inform treatment strategies.
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