Inactivation of the F4/80 glycoprotein in the mouse germ line.

ABSTRACT: Macrophages play a crucial role in the defense against pathogens. Distinct macrophage populations can be defined by the expression of restricted cell surface proteins. Resident tissue macrophages, encompassing Kupffer cells of the liver and red pulp macrophages of the spleen, characteristically express the F4/80 molecule, a cell surface glycoprotein related to the seven transmembrane-spanning family of hormone receptors. In this study, gene targeting was used to simultaneously inactivate the F4/80 molecule in the germ line of the mouse and to produce a mouse line that expresses the Cre recombinase under the direct control of the F4/80 promoter (F4/80-Cre knock-in). F4/80-deficient mice are healthy and fertile. Macrophage populations in tissues can develop in the absence of F4/80 expression

SUBMITTER: Schaller E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC134735 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature