Characterization of surface markers of continuously growing murine resident macrophages

Abstract

Conditions have been described which allow an in vitro indefinite multiplication of differentiated murine macrophages (Lombard et al: Biol Cell 53, 219, 1985). R. and MAY-1 cell lines, which were obtained, respectively, from mouse (Balb/c) spleen and resident peritoneal macrophages, have been further characterized. They present at their surface, besides the Mac-1 antigen and Fc-receptor, a mannose receptor which was characterized for its binding properties. This receptor is responsive for a specific phagocytosis of mannosylated particles, i.e., mannosylated latex beads or oil droplets containing mannosylated bovine serum albumin. Moreover, R and MAY-1 cells present an ectoenzyme profile (NAD+ glycohydrolase and nucleotide pyrophosphatase) similar to those of the corresponding resident macrophages.