Zeitschrift für Zytokinbiologie

Abstrakt

Sights to Macrophages

Cheryl L Jorcyk

Macrophages are essential immune system cells that are produced in response to an infection or when damaged or dead cells accumulate. Big, specialized cells that identify, engulf and kill target cells are macrophages. The term macrophage is produced by the mixture of the Greek words "makro" meaning big and "phagein" meaning eat. Macrophages also play a significant anti-inflammatory function, in addition to increasing inflammation and stimulating the immune system, and can minimize immune reactions through cytokine release. Macrophages that promote inflammation are called M1 macrophages, while M2 macrophages are called those that reduce inflammation and facilitate tissue repair.