title: [Functions of macrophages in the immune system (author's transl)].
abstract: With respect to our present knowledge about the functions of macrophages in relation to the immune responses the most important functions include elimination and processing of the antigen; antigen presentation and induction of immune response; immune regulation by several inhibitory and activating factors; binding of T cell products, which regulate B cell functions (helper and suppressor factors); helper cell induction; cytotoxicity, bactericide and tumoricide activities after stimulation by T cells. In the present time most research activities are directed to the interactions of T cells and macrophages. These interactions depend mainly from genetically determined structures of the cell membranes (Ia antigens).
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D010587:Phagocytosis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens
vernacular_title: Zur Rolle der Makrophagen im Immunsystem.