Macrophage activating factor
Encyclopedia
A macrophage activating factor (MAF) is a lymphokine
that primes macrophage
s to become cytotoxic
to tumor
s. It also controls the expression of Ia antigens on the macrophage cell surface.
Lymphokine
Lymphokines are a subset of cytokines that are produced by a type of immune cell known as a lymphocyte. They are protein mediators typically produced by T cells to direct the immune system response by signalling between its cells...
that primes macrophage
Macrophage
Macrophages are cells produced by the differentiation of monocytes in tissues. Human macrophages are about in diameter. Monocytes and macrophages are phagocytes. Macrophages function in both non-specific defense as well as help initiate specific defense mechanisms of vertebrate animals...
s to become cytotoxic
Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity is the quality of being toxic to cells. Examples of toxic agents are a chemical substance, an immune cell or some types of venom .-Cell physiology:...
to tumor
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
s. It also controls the expression of Ia antigens on the macrophage cell surface.