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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Bone Marrow-derived Macrophage Production
Published on: November 22, 2013
Physiological roles of macrophages
Siamon Gordon1,2, Luisa Martinez-Pomares3
1Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, 33302, Taiwan. siamon.gordon@path.ox.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Macrophages are present in mammals from midgestation, contributing to physiologic homeostasis throughout life. Macrophages arise from yolk sac and foetal liver progenitors during embryonic development in the mouse and persist in different organs as heterogeneous, self-renewing tissue-resident populations. Bone marrow-derived blood monocytes are recruited after birth to replenish tissue-resident populations and to meet further demands during inflammation, infection and metabolic perturbations. Macrophages of mixed origin and different locations vary in replication and turnover, but are all active in mRNA and protein synthesis, fulfilling organ-specific and systemic trophic functions, in addition to host defence. In this review, we emphasise selected properties and non-immune functions of tissue macrophages which contribute to physiologic homeostasis.
Insights
Tissue macrophages, originating during embryonic development, maintain physiological balance throughout life. These versatile cells perform crucial non-immune functions, supporting organ health and systemic homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells present in mammals from midgestation.
- They originate from yolk sac and fetal liver progenitors, forming self-renewing tissue-resident populations.
- Postnatal monocytes replenish these populations and aid in inflammation and infection responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the selected properties and non-immune functions of tissue macrophages.
- To highlight their contribution to physiological homeostasis throughout mammalian life.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- Focuses on the developmental origins and functional roles of macrophages.
- Emphasizes non-immune functions and tissue-specific contributions.
Main Results:
- Macrophages exhibit heterogeneity based on origin and location.
- They are active in mRNA and protein synthesis, supporting trophic functions.
- Tissue macrophages play vital roles in maintaining physiological homeostasis beyond host defense.
Conclusions:
- Tissue-resident macrophages are essential for maintaining physiological homeostasis.
- Their non-immune functions are critical for organ-specific and systemic health.
- Macrophages represent a key focus for understanding mammalian physiological balance.
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