Hemophagocytic syndrome and macrophages

A seminar dedicated to the study of the molecular biological aspects of the occurrence of hemophagocytic syndrome (HFS) was held in the Laboratory for Research on Molecular Mechanisms of Longevity.

HPS is a life-threatening condition caused by the development of an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction. HPS occurs in both children and adults and can be caused by various hereditary and acquired factors. The trigger for the development of HPS can be infection, cancer, autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, as well as stem cell transplantation and primary immunodeficiency.

 

The pathophysiology of HPS is not fully understood. It is believed that HPS is formed as a result of a hyperinflammatory effect due to impaired cytotoxic function of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes together with abnormal activation of macrophages.

 

Laboratory staff have developed a cellular model of macrophages that can exhibit both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. This model will be used in the exercise of HPS.