Illuminating the covert mission of mononuclear phagocytes in their regional niches
Highlights•Mononuclear phagocytes are strategically positioned to maximize their
function.•Marginated pool of monocytes facilitates rapid immune responses.•DC
heterogeneity enables T-cell priming in a sequential and controlled manner.•Macrophages,
depending on their environmental niche, may exhibit unorthodox non-immune
functions.Monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages have been classically
categorized into the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) based on their similar functional …
function.•Marginated pool of monocytes facilitates rapid immune responses.•DC
heterogeneity enables T-cell priming in a sequential and controlled manner.•Macrophages,
depending on their environmental niche, may exhibit unorthodox non-immune
functions.Monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages have been classically
categorized into the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) based on their similar functional …
Highlights
- Mononuclear phagocytes are strategically positioned to maximize their function.
- Marginated pool of monocytes facilitates rapid immune responses.
- DC heterogeneity enables T-cell priming in a sequential and controlled manner.
- Macrophages, depending on their environmental niche, may exhibit unorthodox non-immune functions.
Monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages have been classically categorized into the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) based on their similar functional and phenotypic characteristics. While an increasing amount of research has revealed substantial ontogenic and functional differences among these cells, the reasons behind their heterogeneity and strategic positioning in specific niches throughout the body are yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we outline how recent advances in intravital imaging studies have dissected this phenomenon and have allowed us to appreciate how MPS cells exploit their regional niches to specialize and maximize their functional properties. Understanding their cellular behavior in each of their specialized microenvironment will eventually allow us to target specific cells and their behavioral patterns for improved vaccine and therapeutic purposes.
Elsevier