Contribution of Serum and Cellular Factors in Host Defense Reactions

Abstract

The importance of cellular factors in the defense of the body to microbial infection has generally been accepted since the studies of Metchnikoff.¹⁴⁴ Since that time numerous investigations on the subject have appeared in the literature, with but little in the way of new conceptual material. In many instances Metchnikoff has been revisited rather than extended. The cells involved in host defense that will be considered in this article are those displaying the property of active phagocytosis. These include the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes of the blood and the fixed and wandering mononuclear cells that form the reticuloendothelial system. Other . . .