monócitos CD 14

Summary

Monocytes are effectors of the inflammatory response to microbes. Human CD14⁺ monocytes specialize in phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species and secrete inflammatory cytokines in response to a broad range of microbial cues. Here, we have characterized the functions of human monocytes that lack CD14 (CD14^dim) and express CD16. CD14^dim monocytes were genetically distinct from natural killer cells. Gene expression analyses indicated similarities with murine patrolling Gr1^dim monocytes, and they patrolled the endothelium of blood vessels after adoptive transfer, in a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1-dependent manner. CD14^dim monocytes were weak phagocytes and did not produce ROS or cytokines in response to cell-surface Toll-like receptors. Instead, they selectively produced TNF-α, IL-1β, and CCL3 in response to viruses and immune complexes containing nucleic acids, via a proinflammatory TLR7-TLR 8-MyD88-MEK pathway. Thus, CD14^dim cells are bona fide monocytes involved in the innate local surveillance of tissues and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.