title: Activation of macrophages.
abstract: The role of macrophages is essential in the development of a normal immune response. Not only are these cells involved in the initiation of this response by presenting antigens to lymphocytes and by producing Interleukin I, but they also participate in the various phenomena of cellular co-operation and regulation. It is also evident that macrophages can act as cytotoxic effector cells, especially against micro-organisms and tumor cells. This last function is restricted to activated macrophages. The aim of this review is to summarize our present knowledge concerning this "macrophage activation".
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000502:physiology; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000276:immunology; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D016215:Macrophage-Activating Factors; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D015846:Monokines; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000378:metabolism; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; D004798:Enzymes; D008222:Lymphokines; D016215:Macrophage-Activating Factors; D015846:Monokines; D011453:Prostaglandins; D011506:Proteins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D006152:Cyclic GMP