Quantitative assays of human monocyte-macrophage function.

Monocyte-macrophages are required for the development of cell mediated immunity to a variety of microorganisms and tumors. Quantitative assays of human monocyte-macrophage function would be most useful in the evaluation of cell mediated immune function in man. Five quantitative assays are described that provide a human monocyte-macrophage function profile. These assays parallel the physiologic steps necessary for monocyte-macrophages to function as phagocytes: 1) chemotaxis, 2) opsonization, 3) phagocytosis, 4) phagocytosis-induced metabolic stimulation and 5) destruction of foreign material. Application of these quantitative assays will allow detection and dissection of disorders of monocyte-macrophage function in man.