Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3124423 British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2012 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

Macrophages are present in healthy oral mucosa and their numbers increase dramatically during disease. They can exhibit a diverse range of phenotypes characterised as a functional spectrum from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory (regulatory) subsets. This review illustrates the role of these subsets in the oral inflammatory disease lichen planus, and the immunosuppressive disease oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We conclude that the role of macrophages in driving progression in oral disease identifies them as potential therapeutic targets for a range of oral pathologies.

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Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine
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