Macrophages as accessory cells in the in vivo humoral immune response: from processing of particulate antigens to regulation by suppression.
The ability of macrophages to act as accessory cells for the antigen mediated stimulation of T lymphocytes has been unequivocally established in in vitro experiments. However, in vivo experiments are required to investigate whether the in vitro abilities of cells reflect their in vivo function. In order to study whether or not macrophages are required for the induction of antibody production in vivo, a liposome mediated macrophage elimination technique has been developed. Results obtained until now, have confirmed the role of macrophages in the induction of the antibody response against particulate antigens. However, macrophages are not required for the induction of the response against soluble antigens. Contrarily, in various organs they seem to regulate the latter response by suppression.
van Rooijen
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Department of Cellbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008081:Liposomes; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology
D000941:Antigens; D008081:Liposomes