Premium
The journey from stem cell to macrophage
Author(s) -
Pittet Mikael J.,
Nahrendorf Matthias,
Swirski Filip K.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.12393
Subject(s) - macrophage , biology , stem cell , cell type , neuroscience , identity (music) , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , immunology , genetics , in vitro , physics , acoustics
Essential protectors against infection and injury, macrophages can also contribute to many common and fatal diseases. Here, we discuss the mechanisms that control different types of macrophage activities in mice. We follow the cells’ maturational pathways over time and space and elaborate on events that influence the type of macrophage eventually settling a particular destination. The nature of the precursor cells, developmental niches, tissues, environmental cues, and other connecting processes appear to contribute to the identity of macrophage type. Together, the spatial and developmental relationships of macrophages compose a topo‐ontogenic map that can guide our understanding of their biology.