Macrophages in Health and Disease

WORKSHOP LEADERS - Dr Asif J Iqbal and Professor Ed Rainger  Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences

Innate immune cells called macrophages are found in every tissue of the body. Traditionally considered a cell type involved primarily in defence against infectious disease, it is understood that macrophages play a central role in maintaining all tissues in a healthy state. This process is referred to as tissue homeostasis. Tissue resident macrophages are very efficient at clearing up cellular debris and disposing of dead and dying cells by phagocytosis. Macrophages have also been shown to play a major role in driving a number of pathological conditions including atherosclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Through interdisciplinary partnerships we aim to utilise expertise in developing novel therapeutic strategies to target macrophages in a range of pathological conditions.

This multi-disciplinary workshop is a symposium for the exchange of ideas between local academics interested in macrophage biology, and a number of colleagues from other universities and industry.