[Functional and phenotypic properties macrophages in acute chronic inflammation. Macrophages of sentinel lymph nodes]

Macrophages are some of key constituents of innate immunity. They possess marked phenotypic and functional diversity. Several subpopulations of "classically" and "alternatively" activated macrophages have been recognized. Tissue heterogeneity of resident macrophages are characterized by great quantity populations of these cells in the lymphoid andnonlymphoid tissues. Macrophages actively take part in responses of acute and chronic inflammation. An imbalance on the activity of these cells leads to cytotoxicity/tissue injury if the balance is tipped toward M1 macrophages, and fibrosis/cancer if it is tipped toward M2 macrophages. Moreover, macrophages can immediately participate in reactions of innate immunity during chronic inflammation.