Production of interferon-gamma by myeloid cells--fact or fancy?
Myeloid cells are usually viewed as targets rather than producers of interferon (IFN)-gamma. However, since 1993 several studies have suggested that macrophages and dendritic cells can also secrete IFN-gamma in response to various stimuli, which led to the idea of autocrine myeloid-cell activation in innate immunity. Here, we review this concept in the light of recent findings that illustrate the necessity of specific cell markers, cell purity, sensitive single-cell cytokine detection methods, and of further insights into the developmental origin of myeloid and lymphoid cell lineages. We also discuss the possible function of intracellular IFN-gamma in macrophages and the evidence for a protective role of myeloid IFN-gamma in vivo.
Bogdan
Christian
C
Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany. christian.bogdan@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Schleicher
Ulrike
U
D000818:Animals; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D022423:Myeloid Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology
D007371:Interferon-gamma