IUBio

Recognition of self vs non-self by macrophages?

Shahram Mori smori at nmsu.edu
Sun Nov 6 22:01:23 EST 1994


Klaus D. Elgert (kdelgert at vt.edu) wrote:
:         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
Maybe it's time to NOT consider then antigen nonspecific . There may be a
certain # of factors at work.
1) The APC may not be totally antigen nonspecific, i.e it is unable to
recognize certain host antigens.

2) Maybe they are presenting self antigens and nobody ( T cells ) are
responding i.e. anergy or suppression. It might be neat to think that T
cells maybe giving a apoptotic signal to the macrophages that are
presenting self antigens to them thereby instantly killing them. Only a
suggestion Of course.
Cheers,

--
Shahram Mori					   _/\_
Program in Molecular Biology			  _\  /_
Dept. of chemistry and Biochemistry Box 3C	  \_  _/
NMSU  Las Cruces NM				    ||
88003





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