Multinucleated Giant Cells Induced from Monocyte Precursors by Monoclonal Anti-HLA-DR (Human Ia Antigens) Antibodies

摘要

Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) have been observed in inflamed tissues for over a century. MGC form in granulomas caused by bacterial and viral infections and granulomas induced by physical or chemical agents. MGC are also encountered in granulomatous diseases of unknown etiology such as sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease. Recent studies have shown that MGC are the result of macrophage fusion. It has been suggested that fusion results when macrophages are overwhelmed with antigen, such as in a granulomatous environment, and several macrophages simultaneously attempt to phagocytose the antigen.