Our giant phagocytes in the liver are the “butlers” of the tissues: they not only fight bacteria, but also eat metabolic waste and even microplastics. “They also make sure that the neighboring cells are happy,” says developmental biologist and immunologist Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass from the LIMES Institute. In the new episode of Bonn University's podcast "die Hypothese" (the hypothesis), she discusses the thesis “We have our macropahges under control!” with host Denis Nasser.
Macrophages are giant phagocytes of the innate immune system. Their name pretty much describes what they do all day: they devour everything that comes their way. But they also produce messenger substances that neighboring cells need. Tissues therefore need phagocytes in order to develop normally and function properly.
However, phagocytes also react to environmental changes - and may then no longer do what they are supposed to do. In a study recently published, Elvira Mass investigated how substances from the mother enter the embryo in overweight mice and what they trigger there. Phagocytes in the embryo's liver register this and change their behavior. The offspring of obese mothers are slim, eat normally, and yet develop fatty liver disease. “Our study shows for the first time that it is the giant phagocytes that can cause this,” reports the scientist.
Elvira Mass also researches the effects of micro- and nanoplastic in the body, originating from our environment. Every plastic tray used to heat up lasagna in the microwave can be a source. Phagocytes absorb this plastic, but cannot break it down. With what effect? Does it cause neighboring cells to malfunction? The immunologist is investigating this together with other researchers.
In the new episode of the Hypothesis podcast, Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass discusses the thesis “We have our macrophages under control!” with host Denis Nasser. Listen to the podcast to find out whether the scientist verifies (confirms as true) or falsifies (refutes) it. (Podcast in German language)
Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass is a developmental biologist and immunologist at the Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) at the University of Bonn. She is a member of the board of the ImmunoSensation3 Cluster of Excellence and studies phagocytes of the innate immune system. After completing her doctorate at the LIMES Institute, the biologist conducted research at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (USA) and King's College London (England). She has been leading a research group at the LIMES Institute since October 2017. Elvira Mass has been awarded several prizes.
The Hypothis Podcast
Pointed and science-oriented – that's the “Hypothesis” podcast from the University of Bonn. Every first Thursday of the month, renowned guests tackle a pointed hypothesis on a socially relevant topic. Moderated by journalist Denis Nasser, an expert weighs up the truthfulness of the title statement and then votes on whether the final assessment would be more in the direction of “verified” (i.e., confirmed as ‘true’) or falsified (confirmed as “false”).
Do you have any questions, comments, or topic suggestions? We look forward to hearing from you at wissenschaftskommunikation@uni-bonn.de!
Contact
Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass
Life & Medical Sciences Institut (LIMES)
Universität Bonn
Tel. +49 (0)228/7362848
E-Mail: elvira@uni-bonn.de
