A question arose in our graduate level immunology course. "How do
macrophages distinguish between self and non-self?" Macrophages are
considered antigen nonspecific cells. Yet, they can distinguish between
side-by-side antigens, i.e., bacteria and self host cells. Also, they
recognize differences between crenating and old erythrocytes and normal
erythrocytes, or neoplasic and normal cells. I would appreciate any
answers/comments. Please post to the group or directly by e-mail to
kdelgert at vt.edu.
Thanks in advance,
Klaus D. Elgert