Phagocytes

Phagocytes are a diverse group of specialized immune cells (including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and others) that protect the body by engulfing and destroying foreign particles, pathogens, and dead or dying cells[1][3][7][8]. They play a critical role in both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system by directly ingesting and neutralizing threats and by processing and presenting antigens to other immune cells[2][3][5]. There are "professional" phagocytes (with high efficiency, such as macrophages and neutrophils) and "non-professional" phagocytes (less efficient, such as fibroblasts)[3][5][9]. Phagocytes are essential for fighting infections, maintaining tissue health, and modulating immune responses[3][5][8]. They can contribute to disease if dysregulated, such as in chronic inflammation, immune evasion by cancer, or autoimmune conditions[1][2][5]. While not a druggable molecular target in itself, enhancing or inhibiting phagocyte function (such as with antibodies against CD47) is a current area of therapeutic research[1].

Other names

Phagocytic cellScavenger cell

Enhancement of phagocytosis (e.g., via blockade of CD47 ‘don’t eat me’ signal)