Description
The bone marrow microenvironment is a complex mixture of cells that function in concert to regulate hematopoiesis. Cellular components include fixed nonhematopoietic stromal elements as well as monocytes and resident macrophages, which are derived from the hematopoietic stem cells. Although these monocyte-lineage cells are reported to modify stromal cell function, the reverse also occurs. Given the secretory capability of the monocyte/macrophage and their various potential functions, it is not surprising that stromal cells contained within a particular niche can modify monocyte gene expression and functional maturation.