The myeloid/monocytic lineage of haematopoietic cells has an enormous functional and phenotypic plasticity.

Monocytes contained in circulating blood are an eminent example for this. After having entered peripheral tissues monocytes develop into tissue macrophages which play various roles under physiological and pathological conditions: removal of pathogens, antigen uptake and presentation, resolution of wound healing and propagation of chronic inflammations.

Moreover, cultured peripheral blood monocytes can be developed into professional antigen-presenting cells, so-called Dendritic Cells, which are used in tumor clinical vaccination protocols.

FOCUS Immunology has implemented state-of-the-art protocols for the in vitro maturation of functional active cell populations from human peripheral blood monocytes. In vitro generated cell populations, like Dendritic Cells or Macrophages are particularly suitable to explore specific aspects of immuno-modulatory and immuno-suppresssive compounds and treatment strategies.

For further information please contact us at immunology@focus-cdd.com or contact directly our Head of FOCUS Immunology Dr. Eddy Bruyns at eddy.bruyns@focus-cdd.com.