macrophagák

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are part of the innate immune system and are responsible for recognizing and eliminating pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, as well as cellular debris and damaged tissue. Macrophages are derived from monocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that circulates in the bloodstream. Once monocytes enter tissues, they differentiate into macrophages.

Macrophages are characterized by their large size and the presence of numerous lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes. These enzymes help macrophages to engulf and digest pathogens and other foreign materials. Macrophages can also present antigens to T cells, activating the adaptive immune response. They are involved in various immune functions, including phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and the production of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses.

There are different types of macrophages, each with specific functions. For example, M1 macrophages are involved in the immune response to bacterial infections, while M2 macrophages are associated with tissue repair and wound healing. Macrophages also play a role in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding the role of macrophages in health and disease is an active area of research in immunology.