I would like to know if there is similarity in the immune profile that would be generate by performing experiments on in vitro differentiated monocytes (differentiated to macrophages) and monocyte derived macrophages in vivo.
Hi,
Yes, usually PMA differentiated monocytes (THP-1) are used as an in vitro model for macrophages. PMA treated monocytes display macrophage-like morphology and adhere to the culture flask. They also express high levels of CD14, a macrophage-specific differentiation antigen. But, in vivo differentiation of monocytes in the tissue is complex and depends highly upon the local cytokine milieu. Also, depending upon the tissue, monocyte derived macrophages display different characteristic markers. So, in short, PMA differentiated monocytes are accepted in vitro model, but still its good to confirm the results using the freshly isolated tissue macrophages ex vivo.
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