Macrophages

Macrophages (; abbreviated Mφ, MΦ or MP) are a type of white blood cell of the innate immune system that engulf and digest pathogens, such as cancer cells, microbes, cellular debris and foreign substances, which do not have proteins that are specific to healthy body cells on their surface. This self-protection method can be contrasted with that employed by Natural Killer cells. This process of engulfment and digestion is called phagocytosis; it acts to defend the host against infection and injury.

type of immune cell

An osteoclast () is a type of bone cell that removes bone tissue. This function is critical in the maintenance, repair, and remodeling of bones of the vertebral skeleton. The osteoclast disassembles and digests the composite of hydrated protein and mineral at a molecular level by secreting acid and a collagenase, a process known as bone resorption. This process also helps regulate the level of blood calcium. An odontoclast (/odon·to·clast/; o-don´to-klast) is an osteoclast associated with the absorption of the roots of deciduous teeth.

Microglia are a type of glial cell located throughout the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia account for about around 5–10% of cells found within the brain. As the resident macrophage cells, they act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the CNS. Microglia originate in the yolk sac under tightly regulated molecular conditions. These cells (and other neuroglia including astrocytes) are distributed in large non-overlapping regions throughout the CNS. Microglia are key cells in overall brain maintenancethey are constantly scavenging the CNS for p

macrophages located in the liver

immune response that does not involve antibodies

fat-laden M2 macrophages seen in atherosclerosis

Any mechanism of immune avoidance that directly affects the host immune system, e.g. blocking any stage in host MHC class I and II presentation. The host is defined as the larger of the organisms involved in a symbiotic interaction.

macrophage found in the pulmonary alveolus

process by which macrophages adopt different functional programs in response to signals from their microenvironment

type of macrophage

cell type

cell type linked to autoimmune diseases