Abstract
Monocytes and macrophages are phagocytic cells of the innate arm of theimmune system. Although initially they were considered just as ‘bug-eaters’
more recent studies suggest that they are effector cells, involved in the
homeostasis of the tissues. Yet, more research is needed to understand their
functions in vivo.
In mice there are two subsets of blood monocytes: Ly6Chi and Ly6Clow
monocytes. Ly6Clow monocytes have been studied less than Ly6Chi
monocytes and their functions are still elusive. Although kidney macrophages
were first described more than 30 years ago still nothing is known about their
role in vivo.
By exploited intravital imaging and flow cytometry this report showed that
Ly6Clow monocytes are housekeepers of the endothelium, scavenging
microparticles and cellular debris in the steady state and in inflammation. The
results presented herein, further characterized kidney macrophages as
effector cells per se and showed, for the first time, that kidney macrophages
take up immune complexes in vivo, are activated by immune complexes and
recruit monocytes in response to immune complexes.
In a nutshell, this work sheds light on the in vivo functions of Ly6Clow
monocytes and kidney macrophages, helping us to understand the role of
these cells better.
| Date of Award | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Sandra Diebold (Supervisor) & Frederic Geissmann (Supervisor) |