Macrophage function in murine allogeneic bone marrow radiation chimeras in the early phase after transplantation.

We tested several of the functions of macrophages in the early phase after allogeneic bone marrow transfer to get information about this important aspect of the nonspecific immune system in the T-cell-deficient recipient. Most functions were normal and often even enhanced, depending on the organ origin. Altogether, enhanced nonspecific immune function, especially preactivated macrophages, may enable chimeras to survive attacks by opportunistic pathogens.