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Published on: December 10, 2013
Establishment of a Macrophage-activating Factor Assay System Using the Human Monocytic Cell Line THP-1
Takahiro Inoue1, Mami Ishikawa1, Yu Sumiya1
1Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, Kobe, Japan.
Background:
As the mechanism of macrophage activation is not well-understood, standardization of an assay system for measuring phagocytic activities of macrophages will be useful for research on macrophages. Previously, we established a novel standardized macrophage-activating factor (MAF) assay system using U937.
Materials And Methods:
Using the human monocytic cell line THP-1, another standardized MAF assay system was established. Characteristic gene expression of U937- and THP-1-derived macrophages was compared by gene expression microarray analysis.
Results:
Both U937- and THP-1-derived macrophages showed obvious phagocytic activities with unique characteristics and, therefore, could not be assigned to a single sub-type.
Conclusion:
Activation of macrophages is an intricate cellular process. Comparison of our two novel assay systems provides new insights into macrophage activation mechanisms.
Insights
Standardized assays using U937 and THP-1 cells reveal unique phagocytic activities in macrophages. Comparing these systems offers new insights into macrophage activation mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophage activation mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Standardized assays for macrophage phagocytic activity are needed for research.
- A novel standardized macrophage-activating factor (MAF) assay system using U937 cells was previously established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish another standardized MAF assay system using the human monocytic cell line THP-1.
- To compare the characteristic gene expression of U937- and THP-1-derived macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Established a standardized MAF assay system using THP-1 cells.
- Compared gene expression of U937- and THP-1-derived macrophages using microarray analysis.
Main Results:
- Both U937- and THP-1-derived macrophages exhibited distinct phagocytic activities.
- The phagocytic characteristics were unique to each cell type, preventing classification into a single subtype.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage activation is a complex cellular process.
- Comparison of the two novel assay systems provides new insights into macrophage activation mechanisms.
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