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The biology of serous cavity macrophages

Calum C Bain1, Stephen J Jenkins1

  • 1The University of Edinburgh/MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, UK.

Cellular Immunology
|February 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Recent advances reveal distinct populations of mononuclear phagocytes in serous cavities. Understanding these peritoneal and pleural macrophages is crucial for various pathologies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Serous cavities (peritoneal, pleural, pericardial) harbor abundant macrophages.
  • Peritoneal macrophages are historically used to study macrophage biology.
  • Recent technological advances highlight the heterogeneity of serous cavity mononuclear phagocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding mononuclear phagocyte subsets in serous cavities.
  • To explore the identity, origin, and function of these subsets in homeostasis and disease.
  • To highlight differences between peritoneal and pleural cavity mononuclear phagocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Focus on multi-parameter flow cytometry and 'OMICs' technologies.
  • Analysis of mononuclear phagocyte populations in peritoneal and pleural cavities.

Main Results:

  • Distinct populations of mononuclear phagocytes (macrophages and dendritic cells) exist in serous cavities.
  • These populations exhibit heterogeneity in identity, origin, and function.
  • Differences are observed between mononuclear phagocytes in peritoneal versus pleural cavities.

Conclusions:

  • The heterogeneity of serous cavity mononuclear phagocytes is now recognized.
  • Understanding these distinct subsets is vital due to their implication in pathologies like peritonitis and liver injury.
  • Further research into these cells in homeostasis and disease is warranted.
Keywords:
MacrophageOntogenyPeritoneal cavityPeritoneumPleural cavity

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