Abstract
Alveolar macrophages play important roles in lung homeostatic and defense mechanisms. These essential physiologic functions, however, may be subverted. What influences the cells one way or the other? Recent evidence is reviewed. Many of the relevant stimulatory and inhibitory factors are produced by alveolar macrophages themselves.
MeSH terms
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Endopeptidases / biosynthesis
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Humans
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Inflammation / immunology
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Inflammation / physiopathology
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Lung Diseases / immunology
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Lung Diseases / physiopathology
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Macrophage Activation / immunology
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Macrophage Activation / physiology
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Macrophages / immunology*
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Macrophages / physiology
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Pulmonary Alveoli / immunology*
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Respiratory Tract Infections / immunology
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Respiratory Tract Infections / physiopathology