Background Research:
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in our body’s immune response. These cells search for pathogens and injured or dead cells, engulfing them to remove them from circulation. They can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells to further contribute to immune defenses.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are integral part of the hematologic system. The primary role of platelets is in hemostasis, clotting the blood to prevent excessive bleeding after an injury. Recent studies have shown that they also play essential roles in inflammation and immunity.
By researching the interplay between these two elements of our immune system – monocytes and platelets- researchers at University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn aim to better understand how our bodies fight infection, which could lead to more effective treatments for autoimmune disorders.
FAQs:
1. What is a monocyte?
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that is part of our body’s immune system. They seek out pathogens or damaged/dead cells then engulf these intruders.
2. How do monocytes function?
Monocyte primarily serve as ‚janitors‘, cleaning up dead cells or invading pathogens by ingesting them through process called phagocytosis. Some transformed into dendritic cell or macrophage for presenting antigens.
3.What are Platelets?
Platelets-also known thrombocytes-are small cylindrical cell fragments produced by bone marrow and serve key functions in hemostasis,inflammation immunity
4.How does interaction between platelet(Thrombocyte)and Monocyte affect inflammatory processes?
Researchers on this study found communication pathway exist between Platelet (thrombocyte)and Monocyte-this conversation increases inflammatory response initiated by monocyctes.This suggest some form feedback loop where action one component signals another component increase its activity.
5. What is the significance of this research?
The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of the immune system and so enabling development of treatments that effectively target autoimmune disorders as well as other associated diseases.
6.How does it potentially improve treatment for immune disorders?
By understanding how platelets and monocytes interact, medications can be developed that could reduce inflammation or enhance a patient’s immunity by targeting these interactions. This would open up new avenues for treatment in immune-based disorders.
7.Who conducted this study?
The study was carried out by researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn.
8.Where can I learn more about this research study?
Follow this link to read more: http://idw-online.de/de/news836599
Originamitteilung:
Monocytes, a special type of white blood cell, secrete cytokines as inflammatory messengers that are crucial for an appropriate immune response. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn have now discovered that platelets, also known as thrombocytes, communicate with monocytes and increase their inflammatory capacity. By understanding the platelet-monocyte interaction, they hope to improve the treatment of immune disorders and associated diseases.