[Functions of macrophages in the immune system (author's transl)].

With respect to our present knowledge about the functions of macrophages in relation to the immune responses the most important functions include elimination and processing of the antigen; antigen presentation and induction of immune response; immune regulation by several inhibitory and activating factors; binding of T cell products, which regulate B cell functions (helper and suppressor factors); helper cell induction; cytotoxicity, bactericide and tumoricide activities after stimulation by T cells. In the present time most research activities are directed to the interactions of T cells and macrophages. These interactions depend mainly from genetically determined structures of the cell membranes (Ia antigens).