Scientists Discover New Way to Study Immune Cells with CSF1R Marker
Researchers have found that the protein CSF1R can reliably identify macrophages, crucial immune cells, in tissues and blood. This discovery, led by Dr. Fernando Martinez Estrada from the University of Surrey, allows for better study and monitoring of these cells in health and disease.
The study also introduced the concept of Macrophage Activation Mosaicism, showing that macrophages can have mixed activation states. This could lead to more targeted treatments for various conditions.
Key Points
- CSF1R is a reliable marker for identifying macrophages.
- Macrophages play a vital role in fighting infections and healing tissues.
- The new method can be used by people of all ages and genders.
- Macrophage Activation Mosaicism shows that these cells can have mixed activation states.
- This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for diseases.
Quotes from Researchers
Dr. Fernando Martinez Estrada said, “We have developed a method using CSF1R that can identify all types of Mononuclear phagocyte system cells in the body. This marker is incredibly useful for studying these cells in both health and disease, and it unlocks exciting new possibilities for cell isolation and quantification for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions with a single cell marker.”
Dr. Federica Orsenigo added, “This discovery is significant because it changes how we perceive macrophage activation. Recognising that macrophages can have mixed activation status helps us better understand their roles in different diseases and could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.”
Emeritus Professor Siamon Gordon from the University of Oxford stated, “Therapies that seek to re-educate macrophages are widely sought. However, the tools to measure activation are underdeveloped. Having a robust multi-gene tool to study macrophage activation can help in drug screening, identify drugs that revert macrophage activation, and eventually help with patient characterisation and personalised medicine.”
