Macrophages:

Question

Macrophages:

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phagocytic property of the macrophage is particularly important in the processing of antigens as part of the immune response.Macrophages are believed to process antigens and physically present this biochemically modified and more reactive form of antigen to lymphocytes (particularly T helper cells)as an initial step in the immune response.Recognition of antigen on the macrophage surface by T lymphocytes,however,requires an additional match of the surface MHC class II gene product.With proper recognition,the macrophage secretes a lymphocyte-activating factor (interleukin-1 [IL-1]),lymphocyte proliferation ensues,and the immune response (T cell-B cell response)is facilitated.