macrophages

derived from myeloid progenitors
ingest pathogens through phagocytosis
present antigens via MHC class II molecules to activate T cells

activation:

  • cytokine
  • complement
  • direct contact - leukocyte adhesion molecules

collections of activated macrophages that wall off microbes = granuloma

special types

  • Kupffer cells - liver sinusoids
  • Tissue macrophages - alveoli
  • microglia - brain
  • mesangial cells - kidney
  • histiocytes - connective tissue
  • Langerhans cells - skin
  • dendritic cells