Mouse peritoneal macrophage

Mouse peritoneal macrophages are a heterogeneous population of immune cells residing freely in the peritoneal cavity of mice. They are divided into two principle subsets: large peritoneal macrophages (LPMs), characterized by high expression of F4/80, CD11b, low MHCII, and GATA6, which are long-lived, tissue-resident and embryonic in origin; and small peritoneal macrophages (SPMs), which originate from bone marrow-derived monocytes in response to inflammation, expressing low F4/80 and high MHCII. Both subsets are essential for immune homeostasis, phagocytosis, regulation of local inflammation, and response to infection or injury. Peritoneal macrophages are heavily studied in experimental models for their role in infection, inflammation, cancer metastasis, adhesion formation post-surgery, and other peritoneal diseases. Their complex dynamics and function are regulated by tissue-derived signals, transcription factors, and environmental changes. This entry is not for a specific molecule or receptor but for a cell type used in experimental immunology. Please clarify if a molecular target is intended.

Other names

Peritoneal macrophage (mouse)Peritoneal resident macrophageLarge peritoneal macrophage (LPM; for subset)Small peritoneal macrophage (SPM; for subset)

Not applicable; as a cell population rather than a molecular target, peritoneal macrophages respond to immunomodulators, anti-inflammatories, or chemotherapeutics via indirect mechanisms (e.g., suppression, stimulation, depletion).