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Macrophages are the most numerous immune-cells present in the lung environment under homoeostatic conditions and are ideally positioned to dictate the innate defence of the airways. Pulmonary macrophage populations are heterogeneous and demonstrate remarkable plasticity, owing to variations in origin, tissue residency and environmental influences. Lung macrophage diversity facilitates considerable specialisation, aids efficient responses to environmental signals and allows rapid alterations in phenotype and physiology in response to a plethora of cytokines and microbial signals. This review describes pulmonary macrophage origins, phenotypes, roles in diseases of the airways and implications for the treatment of respiratory disease.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207020

Type

Journal article

Journal

Thorax

Publication Date

12/2015

Volume

70

Pages

1189 - 1196

Keywords

Asthma Mechanisms, Bacterial Infection, COPD Exacerbations, Cystic Fibrosis, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Innate Immunity, Macrophage Biology, Respiratory Infection, Animals, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Humans, Immunity, Innate, Lung Diseases, Macrophages, Alveolar, Phenotype, Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Tract Infections