ORCID

Abstract

Macrophages are present in healthy oral mucosa and their numbers increase dramatically during disease. They can exhibit a diverse range of phenotypes characterised as a functional spectrum from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory (regulatory) subsets. This review illustrates the role of these subsets in the oral inflammatory disease lichen planus, and the immunosuppressive disease oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We conclude that the role of macrophages in driving progression in oral disease identifies them as potential therapeutic targets for a range of oral pathologies.

DOI

10.1016/j.bjoms.2010.10.020

Publication Date

2010-10-01

Publication Title

Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg

Volume

50

Issue

1

First Page

2

Last Page

7

Organisational Unit

School of Biomedical Sciences

Keywords

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Cell Count, Cell Transformation, Neoplastic, Humans, Lichen Planus, Oral, Macrophages, Mouth Diseases, Mouth Mucosa, Mouth Neoplasms, Phenotype

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