MACROPHAGE DEVOURS CANCER CELLS

The word #macrophage comes from ancient greek and literally means “large eater”.

This definition perfectly captures the devouring nature of this cell, whose mission is to engulf and kill pathogens.

In addition, macrophages play a key role in #immunity, as they secrete a variety of modulator substances and are professional antigen-presenting cells.

In the initial stages of tumor formation, most of macrophages are type M1, which promote the anti-tumor immune response.

Macrophages phagocytize the apoptotic bodies and other cellular debris of tumor cells, internalizing tumor antigens, which are after processed and presented to cytototoxic cells. They also secrete #cytokines, which are key proteins in the inflammatory response.

Video source: design_cells