Oral health and pathology: a macrophage account

Abstract Macrophages are present in healthy oral mucosa and their numbers increase dramatically during disease. They can exhibit a diverse range of phenotypes characterised as a functional spectrum from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory (regulatory) subsets. This review illustrates the role of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery 2012-01, Vol.50 (1), p.2-7
Main Authors: Merry, Rebecca, Belfield, Louise, McArdle, Paul, McLennan, Andrew, Crean, StJohn, Foey, Andrew
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology
Cell Count
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - pathology
Dentistry
Humans
Immunology
Lichen Planus, Oral - pathology
Macrophages
Macrophages - immunology
Macrophages - physiology
Mouth Diseases - pathology
Mouth Mucosa - cytology
Mouth Neoplasms - pathology
Oral pathology
Phenotype
Surgery
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Summary:Abstract Macrophages are present in healthy oral mucosa and their numbers increase dramatically during disease. They can exhibit a diverse range of phenotypes characterised as a functional spectrum from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory (regulatory) subsets. This review illustrates the role of these subsets in the oral inflammatory disease lichen planus, and the immunosuppressive disease oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We conclude that the role of macrophages in driving progression in oral disease identifies them as potential therapeutic targets for a range of oral pathologies.
ISSN:0266-4356
1532-1940
DOI:10.1016/j.bjoms.2010.10.020