Paper
Macrophage Function in Allergic and Autoimmune Responses
- Authors:
- Katarzyna Nazimek; W?odzimierz Ptak; Janusz Marcinkiewicz; Krzysztof Bryniarski
- Abstract
- Macrophages possess the ability to phagocytosis and to process exogenous as well as endogenous antigens. This results in either antigen presentation to induce and orchestrate the adaptive immunity or suppression of the response as observed in cellular debris clearance. The impairment of macrophage function may lead to development of excessive inflammation, including allergic and autoimmune reactions. On the other hand, macrophages may mediate tolerance and suppression of different immune response mechanisms, including these directed against allergens and self-antigens. Macrophages are involved in various mechanisms of allergic and autoimmune response, especially in delayed-type hypersensitivity. Apart from antigen presentation, macrophages also act as effector cells in cellular hypersensitivity reaction induced by either pathogen during infection, hapten-antigen or self-antigen in pathological conditions. Their ability to secrete Th2-dependent cytokines as well as reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates exacerbates the severity of symptoms of allergy and asthma. Macrophage properties and activities could be modulated by numerous factors including drugs and biologically active compounds that may be used in future therapy. The present review is focused on the current knowledge about macrophage functions in allergy, autoimmunity and the mechanisms of their modulation.
- Keywords
- Macrophages; Allergy; Autoimmune Response; Immunomodulation; Immune Tolerance
- StartPage
- 36
- EndPage
- 45
- Doi
- 10.18005/PTHP0101005