title: From phagocyte diversity and activation to probiotics: back to Metchnikoff.
abstract: In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Siamon Gordon gives a detailed account of Metchnikoff's life and his achievements (Eur. J. Immunol. 2008. 38: 3257-3264). Looking back at the roots of innate immunity stimulates reflections on open issues in the field. Here, I give a personal view of some of these issues, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, macrophage polarization and adaptive responses of mononuclear phagocytes.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Milan, Italy. alberto.mantovani@humanitas.it
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mantovani
mesh_terms: D000220:Adaptation, Biological / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D022423:Myeloid Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology*