Discovery of long-lived macrophages in the intestine
Thursday, August 30, 2018 - 11:30
in Health & Medicine
Macrophages are specialized immune cells that destroy bacteria and other harmful organisms. Scientists have come to the surprising conclusion that some macrophages in the intestines of mice can survive for quite some time. Most importantly, these long-lived macrophages are vital for the survival of the nerve cells of the gastrointestinal tract. This sheds new light on neurodegenerative conditions of the intestine, but also of the brain.