Macrophages in inflammatory MS

[MSUK]

Macrophages in inflammatory multiple sclerosis lesions have an intermediate activation status

Macrophages play a dual role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. They can exert neuroprotective and growth promoting effects but also contribute to tissue damage by production of inflammatory mediators.

The effector function of macrophages is determined by the way they are activated. Stimulation of monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro with interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide results in classically activated (CA/M1) macrophages, and activation with interleukin 4 induces alternatively activated (AA/M2) macrophages...... Read More - http://www.ms-uk.org/index.cfm/immunecells