Bloody Minded Episode 58 - Not even my final form | Approach to Monocytes
Aug 19, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of monocytes, the largest warriors of our immune system! Discover their crucial roles, from transforming into macrophages to fighting infections. Learn about monocytopenia, its causes, and how it can signal serious health issues. Explore the unique challenges of diagnosing chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, with its complex characteristics. With humor and engaging anecdotes, this discussion makes intricate medical topics both enlightening and entertaining!
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Monocytes Are Surveillance Macrophage Precursors
- Monocytes are the largest circulating white cells and bridge innate and adaptive immunity.
- They circulate briefly then enter tissues to become macrophages or dendritic cells.
Monocyte Subclasses Differ By Lifespan
- Three monocyte subclasses exist: classical, intermediate, and non-classical distinguished by lifespan and markers.
- Classical live ~1 day, intermediate ~4 days, and non-classical up to ~7 days in circulation.
Three Core Monocyte Functions
- Monocytes perform phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and secrete inflammatory cytokines like TNF and IL-1.
- Classical monocytes excel at phagocytosis while intermediate ones strongly present antigen to T cells.