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Updated: May 1, 2026
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Isolation and Characterization of Dendritic Cells and Macrophages from the Mouse Intestine
Published on: May 21, 2012
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The monocyte-macrophage axis in the intestine
Calum C Bain1, Allan McI Mowat1
1Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Cellular Immunology
|April 15, 2014
Summary
Intestinal macrophages are crucial for gut health but also drive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Unlike most tissue macrophages, they are continually replenished by blood monocytes, presenting therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are vital immune cells in the intestinal lining, essential for maintaining gut homeostasis.
- These cells play a dual role, contributing to both normal function and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the function of intestinal monocytes and macrophages during homeostasis.
- To describe changes in these cell populations during infection and inflammation.
- To review the origin and renewal of the intestinal macrophage pool.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on intestinal macrophages.
- Analysis of studies investigating monocyte and macrophage roles in gut health and disease.
Main Results:
- Intestinal macrophages are critical for maintaining gut homeostasis.
- Their function and populations are altered during infection and inflammation.
- Evidence suggests a continuous renewal of intestinal macrophages from circulating blood monocytes.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal macrophages are key players in gut immunity and inflammation.
- Their unique origin from blood monocytes, unlike self-renewing tissue macrophages, offers distinct therapeutic avenues for IBD.
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