http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/26634/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/21451/ 1995-01-25T00:00:00Z The human body has an extensive and specialized cellular network to defend against invading microorganisms, and to prevent the development and spread of neoplastic disease. The mononuclear phagocytic cells are important secretory cells that, through their receptors and secretory products, have a central and essential role in the initiation and maintenance of many immunologic and inflammatory processes. The secretory products are listed in Table l.1. The mononuclear phagocyte system [monocytes and macrophages (M.p)] is complex, representing a heterogeneous group of cells found in organs and tissues throughout the body. All these mononuclear phagocytic cells are derived from a stem cell in the bone marrow.