Macrophage Function Disorders

Macrophages are sentinel cells of the innate immune response. Macrophages recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns (e.g. microbial products) and endogenous ligands (e.g. apoptotic cells) through a broad and adaptable range of pattern-recognition receptors. The consequence of this recognition is generally effective clearance via phagocytosis; however, when this is not effective, macrophages may become inappropriately activated and …