Monocytes and Macrophages

Monocytes and Macrophages are leucocytes that are part of the innate immune system capable of combating non-specific pathogens. They initiate the adaptive immune response through antigen presentation to the corresponding helper T cells. They also have an immune regulating role and support wound healing. Monocytes originate in the bone marrow and migrate into tissue where they differentiate into specific macrophages. Among the various tissue specific macrophages, are two cytokine secreting main groups, the M1 pro-inflammatory and m2 anti-inflammatory cells.