Sensitization increases esterase-positive macrophage number in appendix from an animal model of food allergy

The Peritoneal Macrophages in Inflammatory Diseases and Abdominal Cancers

Peritoneal macrophages (PMs) are the major cell type of peritoneal cells that participate in multiple aspects of innate and acquired immunity in the peritoneal cavity. PMs have an ability to release a large amount of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and therefore play a critical role in regulating the differentiation of innate immune cells and inflammatory T cells. Accumulating studies demonstrate that the immunological reactions and inflammatory responses of PMs are strongly related to the pathogenic processes of various inflammatory diseases and abdominal cancers. Consequently, the regulation of PM activation has gradually emerged as a promising target for immunotherapy, and better understanding of the distinctly biological function of PMs in individual diseases is crucial for designing specific and effective therapeutic agents. This review covers the characterization and immunological function of PMs in hosts with inflammatory diseases and abdominal cancers.

Macrophages in food allergy: an enigma

Macrophages, the characteristic cell type in inflammatory reactions, participate in a variety of immunological events in humans and other mammals. They act as regulatory switches for both innate and acquired arms of immune system and play a vital role in tissue repair. Recent studies have shown the possible role of macrophages in food allergic reactions. Since, there is involvement of alveolar as well as peritoneal macrophages in the pathogenesis of several food allergies, the present review covers the relevance of macrophage related immunological response in food allergic reactions.