Journal de biologie des cytokines

Abstrait

Editorial note on Macrophages

Bruno Leite*

Macrophages are immune system cells that play a critical part in the host's defence. Death processes include infection-related killing processes and the accumulation of weakened or dead cells. Macrophages are specialised big cells that recognise, engulf, and kill target cells. The word macrophage comes from the Greek words "makro" and "phagein," which both indicate "to feed." Macrophages have an antiinflammatory role and may suppress immunological reactivity through cytokine release, in addition to promoting inflammation and boosting the immune system. M1 macrophages are pro-inflammatory, whereas M2 macrophages are antiinflammatory and pro-tissue healing. Monocytes, one of the primary types of white blood cells in the immune system, divide to create macrophages.