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Characterization of Human Monocyte Subsets by Whole Blood Flow Cytometry Analysis
Published on: October 17, 2018
Functional analysis of monocyte subsets in surgical sepsis
C Schinkel1, R Sendtner, S Zimmer
1Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern, Department of Surgery, Germany.
The Journal of Trauma
|May 29, 1998
Summary
Sepsis causes increased monocytes and reduced HLA-DR, correlating with severity. A shift to FcR+ macrophages, characterized by high cytokine production and suppressed antigen presentation, indicates a high-risk group potentially benefiting from immunomodulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Sepsis Pathophysiology
- Macrophage Biology
Background:
- Sepsis remains a leading cause of surgical mortality.
- Impaired monocyte function and T-cell interactions are critical in sepsis development.
- Understanding monocyte behavior in surgical sepsis is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate monocyte (Mphi) behavior in surgical sepsis.
- To analyze Fc receptor (FcR) and human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) expression in Mphi subsets.
- To evaluate the kinetics of these changes in relation to sepsis severity and outcome.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study including 20 septic patients and 10 healthy controls.
- Isolation of peripheral Mphi and separation into FcR+ and FcR- subsets.
- Assessment of cell surface receptor expression and in vitro cytokine production.
Main Results:
- Significant monocytosis (3.5-fold increase) and suppressed HLA-DR expression (35% reduction) observed in septic patients.
- Increased proportion of FcR+ Mphi subsets (60% vs. 24% in controls).
- Suppressed interferon-gamma synthesis, elevated neopterin, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, particularly in FcR+ subsets.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis induces monocytosis and HLA-DR suppression, correlating with severity and outcome.
- A shift towards FcR+ Mphi subsets, termed 'angry macrophages,' is observed.
- These findings suggest a high-risk patient subpopulation that may benefit from immunomodulatory therapies.
