macrophage

[mak-ruh-feyj]

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a large white blood cell, occurring principally in connective tissue and in the bloodstream, that ingests foreign particles and infectious microorganisms by phagocytosis.

macrophage

/ ˈmækrəʊˌfeɪdʒ, ˌmækrəʊˈfædʒɪk /

noun

1. any large phagocytic cell occurring in the blood, lymph, and connective tissue of vertebrates See also histiocyte

macrophage

1. Any of various large white blood cells that play an essential immunologic role in vertebrates and some lower organisms by eliminating cellular debris and particulate antigens, including bacteria, through phagocytosis. Macrophages develop from circulating monocytes that migrate from the blood into tissues throughout the body, especially the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and connective tissue. Macrophages also participate in the immune response by producing and responding to inflammatory cytokines.

Other Word Forms

• macrophagic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrophage¹

From the New Latin word macrophagus, dating back to 1885–90. See macro-, -phage

Example Sentences

"The biggest surprise about this was finding that a macrophage has a synaptic-like property that delivers an ion to a muscle fiber to facilitate its repair after an injury," Jankowski says.

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By bringing IL-4 directly to the site of injury, the patch encourages immune cells known as macrophages to shift from a pro-inflammatory mode to one that supports healing.

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Reducing CCL2 activity calmed inflammation in macrophages, a type of immune cell.

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The human digestive system relies on two main kinds of macrophages, a type of specialized white blood cell, to maintain intestinal health.

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Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have found that applying electrical currents to "macrophages," a crucial type of immune cell, can reprogram them to reduce inflammation and promote faster healing in cases of disease or injury.

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