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Simultaneous Study of the Recruitment of Monocyte Subpopulations Under Flow In Vitro
Published on: November 26, 2018
Murine Monocytes: Origins, Subsets, Fates, and Functions
Alexander Mildner1, Goran Marinkovic1, Steffen Jung1
1Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
Abstract:
Monocytes are short-lived mononuclear phagocytes that circulate in the bloodstream and comprise two main subpopulations that in the mouse are best defined by the Ly6C marker. Intravascular functions of "classical" Ly6C+ monocytes and their interactions with other lymphoid and myeloid leukocytes in the circulation remain poorly understood. Rather, these cells are known to efficiently extravasate into tissues. Indeed, Ly6C+ monocytes and their descendants have emerged as a third, highly plastic and dynamic cellular system that complements the two classical, tissue-resident mononuclear phagocyte compartments, i.e., macrophages and dendritic cells, on demand. Following recruitment to injured tissue, Ly6C+ monocytes respond to local cues and can critically contribute to the initiation and resolution of inflammatory reactions. The second main murine monocyte subset, Ly6C- cells, derive in steady state from Ly6C+ monocytes and remain in the vasculature, where the cells act as scavengers. Moreover, a major fraction of Ly6C- monocytes adheres to the capillary endothelium and patrols the vessel wall for surveillance. Given the central role of monocytes in homeostasis and pathology, in-depth study of this cellular compartment can be highly informative on the health state of the organism and provides an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.
Insights
Monocytes, key immune cells, have distinct roles. Ly6C+ monocytes leave the bloodstream for tissues, while Ly6C- monocytes patrol blood vessels, highlighting their importance in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Monocytes are crucial short-lived phagocytes in circulation, with two main subpopulations in mice defined by the Ly6C marker.
- The intravascular functions and leukocyte interactions of "classical" Ly6C+ monocytes are not well understood.
- Ly6C+ monocytes are known for efficient extravasation into tissues, acting as a dynamic cellular system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the intravascular functions of classical Ly6C+ monocytes.
- To understand the interactions between Ly6C+ monocytes and other leukocytes in circulation.
- To explore the role of monocyte subpopulations in tissue repair and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry for defining monocyte subpopulations (Ly6C+ and Ly6C-).
- In vivo studies to track monocyte migration and extravasation.
- Analysis of monocyte interactions with lymphoid and myeloid leukocytes.
Main Results:
- Ly6C+ monocytes are critical for tissue recruitment and inflammatory responses.
- Ly6C- monocytes, derived from Ly6C+ cells, function as vascular scavengers and patrol the endothelium.
- Monocytes represent a dynamic cellular system complementing tissue-resident macrophages and dendritic cells.
Conclusions:
- Monocyte subpopulations exhibit distinct intravascular and extravascular functions.
- Understanding monocyte behavior is vital for insights into organismal health and disease.
- Monocytes represent a promising target for therapeutic interventions in various pathologies.
