It is increasingly recognised that haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are not the only source of adult immune cells in mammals. In particular, many tissue-resident macrophages (trMacs) are known to derive from non-HSC-dependent lineages, with yolk sac-derived erythromyeloid progenitors (EMPs) thought to be the initial cell of origin. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms regulating the differentiation of trMacs during foetal life. Here, Anna Beaudin, Camilla Forsberg and colleagues show that efficient trMac development is dependent on the interleukin receptor IL7Rα, previously known as a regulator exclusively of the lymphoid lineage in adult haematopoiesis. Using lineage-tracing approaches, they show that adult trMacs in a wide range of tissues derive from IL7Rα-expressing cells. The authors show that IL7Rα is not expressed in the early EMPs, but is specifically upregulated as foetal monocytes begin to differentiate into trMacs in their target tissues. When IL7Rα function is depleted, foetal trMac differentiation is impaired, though maintenance of the population in the adult is unaffected. In addition to identifying an unexpected role for IL7Rα in myeloid differentiation, this work provides further insights into the mechanisms regulating the establishment of trMacs.
On the origin of tissue-resident macrophages
- Split-screen
- Views Icon Views
-
Article Versions Icon
Versions
- Version of Record 22 July 2019
- Share Icon Share
-
Tools Icon
Tools
- Search Site
On the origin of tissue-resident macrophages. Development 15 July 2019; 146 (14): e1402. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Pathway to Independence programme

We’re excited to announce our new Pathway to Independence programme, aimed at supporting postdocs as they go on the job market. Find out more about the scheme in our Editorial.
Call for papers: Metabolic and Nutritional Control of Development and Regeneration

We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on metabolic and nutritional control of development and regeneration. Submission deadline: 15 May 2023.
Webinar: Increasing the visibility and impact of your research
-HUBSwebinar.jpg?versionId=4486)
Would you like to increase the visibility and impact of your research and raise your profile internationally? If so, register for the very practical webinar we are running in association with HUBS on 23 February 2023.
Transitions in development: Daniel Grimes

Daniel Grimes’s lab studies the consequences of ciliary mutations, including left-right patterning defects and scoliosis. We interviewed Daniel to find out more about his career path, his experience of becoming a group leader and the influence of Jurassic Park.
Preprints in Development
(update)-InPreprints.png?versionId=4486)
As part of our efforts to support the use of preprints and help curate the preprint literature, we are delighted to launch a new article type: ‘In preprints’. These pieces will discuss one or more recent preprints and place them in a broader context.