title: Alveolar macrophage biology.
abstract: Alveolar macrophages play important roles in lung homeostatic and defense mechanisms. These essential physiologic functions, however, may be subverted. What influences the cells one way or the other? Recent evidence is reviewed. Many of the relevant stimulatory and inhibitory factors are produced by alveolar macrophages themselves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School, Houston.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Holian
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Scheule
mesh_terms: D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008262:Macrophage Activation / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000276:immunology*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D010450:Endopeptidases