Monocytes are a group of immune cells that originate in bone marrow and are released into peripheral blood, where they circulate for several days1,2. They belong to the mononuclear-phagocyte system, which also include macrophages, dendritic cells and their bone-marrow precursors3,4,5. Monocytes represent 5–10% of peripheral leucocytes and are probably best known for serving as a systemic reservoir of myeloid precursors that are needed for the renewal of tissue macrophages and dendritic cells6,7,8,9. However, they also have other well documented functions in immune response against infection10,11,12,13 and in pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders. Although initially perceived as a homogeneous population, it has become increasingly apparent that monocytes display considerable heterogeneity with respect to their phenotype and function1,2,14,15.
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