When an interstitial macrophage niche is empty, classical monocytes can proliferate locally in a manner that is restricted by the transcription factor MAFB, before undergoing differentiation into distinct macrophage subsets. These findings reveal a new function of monocytes and highlight the complex regulation of proliferation and differentiation during macrophage development.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals
Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription
$29.99 / 30 days
cancel any time
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$209.00 per year
only $17.42 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Swirski, F. K. et al. From proliferation to proliferation: monocyte lineage comes full circle. Semin Immunopathol 36, 137–148 (2014). A review article that summarizes the current understanding of monocyte lineage, from progenitor proliferation to macrophage differentiation.
Schyns, J. et al. Non-classical tissue monocytes and two functionally distinct populations of interstitial macrophages populate the mouse lung. Nat. Commun. 10, 3964 (2019). This paper reports the existence of two phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets of monocyte-derived lung interstitial macrophages in mice.
Chakarov, S. et al. Two distinct interstitial macrophage populations coexist across tissues in specific subtissular niches. Science 363, eaau0964 (2019). This paper identifies two conserved interstitial macrophage subsets and niches across tissues.
Okabe, Y. & Medzhitov, R. Tissue biology perspective on macrophages. Nat. Immunol. 17, 9–17 (2016). A review article that presents key principles of macrophage development and biology in tissues.
Park, M. D. et al. Macrophages in health and disease. Cell 185, 4259–4279 (2022). A review article that proposes a conceptual framework to address macrophage complexity and functions in health and disease.
Additional information
Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This is a summary of: Vanneste, D. et al. MafB-restricted local monocyte proliferation precedes lung interstitial macrophage differentiation. Nat. Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-023-01468-3 (2023).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Monocytes can proliferate in vacant niches before differentiation into macrophages. Nat Immunol 24, 749–750 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-023-01480-7
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-023-01480-7
