A function for the macrophage F4/80 molecule in tolerance induction.
The F4/80 monoclonal antibody has been used widely as a marker for mouse macrophages. The antigen (Ag) recognized by the antibody has been characterized as a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-transmembrane 7 (TM7) family, although the function of the molecule has remained elusive. A recent study provides evidence for a role of the F4/80 molecule in the induction of immunological tolerance. This study appears to provide clear evidence for a role of the F4/80 molecule in the immune system, however, what does it really tell us about the activities of the F4/80 molecule?
van den Berg
Timo K
TK
Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Vrije University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. t.vandenberg@vumc.nl
Kraal
Georg
G
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D018448:Models, Immunological
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D006023:Glycoproteins; C036763:monocyte-macrophage differentiation antigen