In the fight against cancer and infectious disease, Eurofins Discovery offers important tools for scientists with our functional assays for monocyte and macrophage activation status. Monocytes and macrophages are key cells of the innate immune system, with a role in tissue homeostasis, host responses to pathogens, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, phagocytosis and resolution of the immune response. Monocytes differentiate into tumor-associated macrophages and dendritic cells; depending on disease context, they may contribute to secretion of tumoricidal mediators, extracellular matrix remodeling, lymphocyte recruitment, and promotion of angiogenesis. Monocytes are no longer thought of as just precursors to macrophages and dendritic cells; infiltrating monocytes play their own role in inflammatory disease resolution. Three subsets of monocytes, each with specific function, can be distinguished in immunophenotyping assays: classical (CD14+CD16-), non-classical (CD14±CD16+), and intermediate (CD14+CD16+).
Monocytes proliferate in the bone marrow, circulate in the bloodstream, and at the site of tissue damage can differentiate into resident macrophages and dendritic cells to remove pathogens. M1 macrophages are activated by signaling from pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) or inflammatory cytokines to function as antigen presenting cells, whereas M2 macrophages are considered to be either tumor-promoting, through release of growth factors, or immunosuppressive, through downregulation of the inflammatory response.
Monocyte Macrophage Lineage
Figure. Monocytes are white blood cells that circulate in the bloodstream and are precursors to macrophages. There are two types of monocytes: classical and non-classical, which can differentiate into macrophages in different organs. Classical monocytes are larger and more abundant and have a high expression of the surface protein CD14. These monocytes under the influence of various cytokines and growth factors differentiate into macrophages (M1 and M2) in a process that occurs primarily in tissues with high microbial load, such as the liver, spleen, and lungs. Non-classical monocytes are small and less abundant and have a high expression of the surface protein CD16. These monocytes differentiate into dendritic cells in tissues that require constant immune surveillance, such as the skin, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. The differentiation of classical and non-classical monocytes into macrophages is influenced by local tissue factors and cytokines and can occur in a context-dependent manner, depending on the specific immune requirements of the organ.
Our Eurofins Discovery macrophage/monocyte activation and inhibition assays, offered individually, determine the impact of test agents on IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MIP1α, and TNFα secretion in human PBMCs. Stimulation assays can be used to assess immune system activation related to cancer therapeutics and fighting infectious disease, and both assays are appropriate for those wanting to understand inflammation biology. They serve as a key connection between innate and adaptive immune systems.
- Inhibition Assay
If you’re looking to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine burden, this is the assay for you. - Activation Assay
In the fight against cancer or infection, stimulation of the immune response is needed. - Custom Options
In addition to standard biomarkers, custom options are possible.
