abstract
- Macrophages respond to alterations in their microenvironment by producing a wide variety of products that mediate inflammation, immunity and tissue homeostasis or injury. Macrophage recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (e.g. bacterial 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 initiate an inappropriate inflammatory response. Although primary deficiencies of macrophage function in human disease are relatively uncommon, there is increasing evidence that even subtle genetic changes in macrophage function contribute to altered responses to both acute infections and in many major acquired disease processes such as autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases and cancer.