Barrier-tissue macrophages: functional adaptation to environmental challenges

Mowat, A. M., Scott, C. L. and Bain, C. C. (2017) Barrier-tissue macrophages: functional adaptation to environmental challenges. Nature Medicine, 23(11), pp. 1258-1270. (doi: 10.1038/nm.4430) (PMID:29117177)

Abstract

Macrophages are found throughout the body, where they have crucial roles in tissue development, homeostasis and remodeling, as well as being sentinels of the innate immune system that can contribute to protective immunity and inflammation. Barrier tissues, such as the intestine, lung, skin and liver, are exposed constantly to the outside world, which places special demands on resident cell populations such as macrophages. Here we review the mounting evidence that although macrophages in different barrier tissues may be derived from distinct progenitors, their highly specific properties are shaped by the local environment, which allows them to adapt precisely to the needs of their anatomical niche. We discuss the properties of macrophages in steady-state barrier tissues, outline the factors that shape their differentiation and behavior and describe how macrophages change during protective immunity and inflammation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bain, Mr Calum and Mowat, Professor Allan
• Authors: Mowat, A. M., Scott, C. L., and Bain, C. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Nature Medicine
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• ISSN: 1078-8956
• ISSN (Online): 1546-170X
• Published Online: 07 November 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 Nature America, Inc., part of Springer Nature
• First Published: First published in Nature Medicine 23(11): 1258-1270
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy