Functions of macrophages in the immune system (author's transl)

With respect to our present knowledge about the functions of macrophages in relation to the immune responses the most important functions include elimination and processing of the antigen; antigen presentation and induction of immune response; immune regulation by several inhibitory and activating factors; binding of T cell products, which regulate B cell functions (helper and suppressor factors); helper cell induction; cytotoxicity, bactericide and tumoricide activities after stimulation by T cells. In the present time most research activities are directed to the interactions of T cells and macrophages. These interactions depend mainly from genetically determined structures of the cell membranes (Ia antigens).