Blood monocytes possess the ability to proliferate and replace immune cells that populate our tissues, according to a study conducted by researchers at the GIGA Institute at the University of Liege. This discovery changes our previous understanding of cell proliferation’s involvement in the constitution and maintenance of our immune system. Proliferation of monocytes is well-controlled and does not lead to a tumoral process, but only aims to replace the macrophages that populate our tissues. The research reveals that most cells that make up a living organism arise from stem cells that have divided through the process of mitosis to give rise to a greater number of cells. Improperly regulated proliferation can lead to the development of various diseases, including cancer. The study demonstrates that proliferation is not only restricted to stem cells, but also an as-yet-unknown function of blood immune cells, the monocytes.
Research finds that blood immune cells have the ability to proliferate and replace tissue macrophages.
The ability of cells to multiply and divide is crucial for life and the evolution of complex creatures. This process also allows for worn-out cells to be replaced by stem cells that multiply and specialize. However, cell growth becomes uncontrolled and chaotic in cancer.
According to a study published in Nature Immunology, researchers at the GIGA Institute at the University of Liege have discovered that certain blood immune cells, known as monocytes, also possess the ability to multiply and replace tissue macrophages that are essential for the body’s healthy functioning. The generation of complex multicellular organisms, such as human beings, requires the production of billions of cells from a limited number of progenitor cells that have first proliferated and then acquired particular morphologies and functions while assembling into tissues and organs.
While stem cells have long been known to give rise to most of the cells that make up a living organism, blood monocytes were previously considered differentiated cells incapable of proliferation. However, the study reveals that they too can proliferate and generate a pool of monocytes in the tissues, which then give rise to macrophages. Macrophages are vital immune cells that defend us against microbes and support the proper functioning of our organs.
Improperly regulated proliferation can lead to the development of various diseases, with cancer being a prime example. However, this study demonstrates that proliferation is not only restricted to stem cells, but also an as-yet-unknown function of blood immune cells, the monocytes.
In conclusion, this research provides new insights into the fundamental process of cell proliferation and the role of blood immune cells in replacing tissue macrophages.
Blood Monocytes Can Proliferate to Maintain Our Immune System
According to a study conducted by researchers at the GIGA Institute at the University of Liege, blood monocytes possess the ability to proliferate to replace immune cells that populate our tissues. The director of the study, Thomas Marichal, says this discovery changes our conception of cell proliferation’s involvement in the constitution and maintenance of our immune system. The proliferation of monocytes is well-controlled and does not lead to a tumoral process, but only aims to replace the macrophages that populate our tissues. Marichal adds that this finding suggests that the information that can be obtained from blood tests reflects only little of what is happening at the level of tissues during an infection or inflammation.
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