Monocytes are a critical subpopulation of circulating white blood cells derived from bone marrow progenitors. These cells can further differentiate into a wide spectrum of tissue-resident macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Based on size, motility, innate immune receptor expression, and differentiation potential, monocytes can be categorized into distinct subsets that participate in host antimicrobial defense. Beyond immunity, they are deeply implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis and can even infiltrate tumor sites to suppress tumor-specific immune responses.
Once released into the bloodstream, monocytes can mature into peripheral blood macrophages, which act as sentinels of the immune system. They patrol the circulation, phagocytose pathogens, senescent cells, and debris, and secrete cytokines to modulate immune responses. As professional antigen-presenting cells, macrophages play a pivotal role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity—maintaining immune homeostasis and orchestrating inflammation, repair, and regeneration processes.
Monocyte and Macrophage Depletion in Research: Insights from Recent Studies
To understand macrophage-mediated immune regulation and disease mechanisms, researchers often rely on liposomal clodronate as an efficient macrophage depletion tool. Below are several representative studies demonstrating its application across various disease models:
1. CXCL12-Mediated Monocyte Transmigration and Neuroinflammation
Source: CXCL12-mediated monocyte transmigration into brain perivascular space leads to neuroinflammation and memory deficit in neuropathic pain (IF = 3.6, Q2)
In this study, adult C57BL/6J mice (7–10 weeks old) received tail vein injections of clodronate liposomes one day before and three days after surgery to deplete circulating monocytes. Flow cytometry and hippocampal immunofluorescence confirmed that clodronate treatment efficiently eliminated both classical (CD11b⁺Ly6C⁺⁺) and non-classical (CD11b⁺Ly6C⁻) monocyte subsets without affecting lymphocytes, NK cells, or neutrophils.
2. Monocyte-Derived Macrophages in Acute Lung Injury
Source: Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Induce Alveolar Macrophages Death via TNF-α in Acute Lung Injury (IF = 2.7, Q3)
Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were intravenously injected with 200 μL clodronate liposomes (2 μg/g body weight) or PBS liposomes one day before LPS administration. Depletion efficiency was evaluated by flow cytometry on day 4, showing a significant reduction in circulating monocytes, confirming effective systemic depletion.
3. CCR2⁺ Monocytes Repair Cerebrovascular Damage in Chronic Stress
Source: CCR2 monocytes repair cerebrovascular damage caused by chronic social defeat stress (IF = 7.6, Q1)
To assess monocyte involvement in diabetic vascular repair, diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ) were given intraperitoneal injections of 200 μL clodronate liposomes (or control liposomes) followed by maintenance doses every 3 days (100 μL/20–25 g body weight). This regimen successfully maintained long-term depletion of peripheral monocytes throughout the experimental period.
4. Monocytes in Systemic Coagulation and Sepsis
Source: Monocytes regulate systemic coagulation and inflammation in abdominal sepsis (IF = 4.1, Q1)
Male C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal clodronate liposome injections (20 mg/kg) 24 hours before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Flow cytometric analysis showed a 96% reduction in circulating monocytes, validating the effectiveness of intraperitoneal depletion in a sepsis model.
Empowering Macrophage Research with Yeasen
To support researchers exploring macrophage biology and immune regulation, Yeasen Biotech offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions covering every stage of macrophage research:
- Macrophage Isolation & Culture Kits – optimized for high-yield extraction and functional maintenance.
- Macrophage Construction Tools – including differentiation and activation reagents for phenotype-specific studies.
- Macrophage Depletion Models – featuring high-quality clodronate liposomes for systemic or local macrophage clearance.
- Functional Assay Reagents – cytokine detection, phagocytosis, and immune regulation studies.
- Immunological Validation Tools – antibodies, ELISA kits, and molecular assays for mechanistic exploration.
Whether you’re investigating macrophage-driven inflammation, tissue remodeling, or tumor immunology, Yeasen provides end-to-end experimental solutions—helping you accelerate discovery and publish impactful research.
Related Product
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Name |
Cat. No. |
Size |
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40337ES08/10 |
5 mL/10 mL |
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40338ES08/10 |
5 mL/10 mL |