Mononuclear phagocyte

Mononuclear phagocytes are a group of immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, distinguished by a single, non-lobed nucleus and their ability to ingest and degrade foreign particles or cellular debris through phagocytosis[3][5]. These cells originate from bone marrow myeloid progenitors and are distributed throughout the body in various tissues, where they perform essential roles in innate and adaptive immunity, tissue homeostasis, and repair. Major functions of mononuclear phagocytes include defense against microorganisms, antigen presentation to lymphocytes, removal of apoptotic cells and cellular debris, iron recycling, and orchestration of inflammation and healing[2][4][6]. Because "mononuclear phagocyte" refers to a cell class and not an individual molecule, receptor, or protein, it is not considered a direct therapeutic target in the conventional sense. Instead, therapeutic interventions are directed toward specific surface molecules, receptors, or pathways within these cells (e.g., CSF-1R, CD14, CD163). Therefore, "mononuclear phagocyte" is not a technically correct molecular target, and is more accurately described as a multicellular system encompassing multiple cell types with shared phagocytic functions[7][8].

Other names

Mononuclear phagocytic cellMPcells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS)phagocytes (context-dependent)monocytesmacrophagesdendritic cells

Mechanisms are specific to drugs that modulate or deplete populations of these cells, e.g., inhibition of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) to reduce macrophage survival/function.