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Phagocytes

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • sub-divided into two main types, namely neutrophils and macrophages
    • share the same function - to engulf pathogen(phago - I eat, Latin)
  • neutrophils
    • these cells possess a multilobular nucleus
      • cells of the inate immune system
      • have a pivotal role to play in the development of acute inflammation
      • neutrophils also contain granules and can also be classed as one of the granulocytes
        • granules contain acidic and alkaline phosphatases, defensins and peroxidase - all of which represent the requisite molecules required for successful elimination of the unwanted pathogen (s)
  • macrophages (termed monocytes when in the blood stream)
    • cells of the inate immune system
    • have a horseshoe-shaped nucleus
    • are large cells
    • able to undertake phagocytosis and antigen presentation to T cells
      • are seen in chronic inflammation as they are long-lived cell (unlike neutrophils)
    • cells comprising the monocyte phagocytic system are tissue bound and, as a result, are further sub-divided depending on their location
      • e.g. monocytes if in the blood stream
      • alveolar macrophages if in the lungs
      • sinus macrophages if in the lymph nodes and spleen
      • Kupffer cells if in the liver

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