View source for Macrophage-1 antigen

== Macrophage-1 Antigen ==

'''Macrophage-1 Antigen''' (pronunciation: ma·cro·phage-1 an·ti·gen), also known as '''CD11b''' or '''Integrin alpha M''', is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGAM gene. 

=== Etymology ===

The term '''Macrophage-1 Antigen''' is derived from the Greek words "makros" meaning large, "phagein" meaning to eat, and "antigen" from the Greek "anti-" meaning against and "-gen", from "genes" meaning born. This term is used to describe a type of protein that is found on the surface of certain cells, including [[macrophages]], which are large cells that consume foreign particles and cell debris.

=== Function ===

Macrophage-1 Antigen is part of the [[integrin]] family and is primarily expressed on the surface of [[leukocytes]] (white blood cells), including [[monocytes]], [[neutrophils]], [[natural killer cells]], and [[granulocytes]]. It plays a crucial role in the adhesion and migration of these cells, and is also involved in the process of [[phagocytosis]] and [[cell-mediated immunity]].

=== Clinical Significance ===

Alterations in the Macrophage-1 Antigen have been associated with several diseases, including [[Systemic Lupus Erythematosus]] (SLE), [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]] (RA), and [[Crohn's Disease]]. It is also a potential target for therapeutic interventions in these diseases.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Integrin]]
* [[Leukocytes]]
* [[Monocytes]]
* [[Neutrophils]]
* [[Natural Killer Cells]]
* [[Granulocytes]]
* [[Phagocytosis]]
* [[Cell-mediated immunity]]
* [[Systemic Lupus Erythematosus]]
* [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]
* [[Crohn's Disease]]

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Cell Biology]]

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