The popular anime series "Cells at Work!", which was released in July 2018, has been garnering attention. The unique cells struggling inside the body in each episode are incredibly innovative. The unprecedented concept and comical characters are incredibly appealing.
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
This time, we'll be looking at the mysterious beauty, "Macrophage." While she is normally an elegant beauty, she is also a highly skilled cell with unparalleled fighting abilities, taking on bacteria with ease. We will be introducing this mysterious character, focusing on her characteristics and anecdotes.
What exactly are macrophages? We will be revealing the secrets of macrophages, including the role they play in the body, so be sure to check it out.
1. Basic Information about Macrophages
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Macrophages are a type of white blood cell, accounting for 3% to 6% of all white blood cells. Their primary function is not only to eliminate foreign substances such as bacteria, but also to present antigen information from them. They are also responsible for cleaning up dead bacteria and cells.
Additionally, within the bone marrow, macrophages play a role similar to that of a nursery teacher, playing a major role in the development of erythroblasts before they become red blood cells.
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Even just looking at this, it's clear that macrophages have a variety of roles. I think their mysterious appearance explains their mysterious nature.
Next, let's take a closer look at each of the roles of macrophages.
The voice actress is Kikuko Inoue! "Hey, hey!"
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Macrophage's voice actress is Kikuko Inoue, known for her role as the eternally 17-year-old. The voice actress herself is a mysterious presence, so she's a perfect match for the character.
Her notable roles include Tsubasa Ozora in Captain Tsubasa, Mercedes de Morselle in The Count of Monte Cristo, Belldandy in Ah! My Goddess, and Sanae Furukawa in Clannad.
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
She's the perfect voice actress for the ladylike, older sister-like voice of Macrophage.
2. Macrophage Job 1: Killing Bacteria
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
First, the first job of macrophages is to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Macrophages have an extremely high killing ability. Despite their elegant, ladylike appearance, they wipe out their enemies with a smile, swinging hatchets and hammers.
Macrophages can also examine the killed cells and present antigens. This antigen presentation by macrophages allows B cells to produce antibodies, and dendritic cells can convey antigen information to each cell.
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
The way macrophages fight bacteria is quite different from their appearance, sometimes surprising other cells.
They are completely unfazed by bacteria and viruses, which suggests they must be quite strong.
3. Macrophages' Job ②: Cleaning up dead bacteria and cells
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Macrophages' second role is as cleaners, clearing away dead bacteria and cells.
When they're not fighting bacteria, they're often depicted sweeping with a broom. Even if dead bacteria and cells litter the ground, macrophages keep the body clean.
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
4. Macrophages' Role ③: Cultivating Erythroblasts
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Macrophages are both killers and cleaners, killing bacteria and viruses and clearing away dead bacteria and cells in the body. They also play other important roles in the body.
Their role is that of a nursery teacher, nurturing erythroblasts and immature thymocytes before they become red blood cells. Some macrophages act as teachers to these cells.
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
In the story, a school-like facility called the red bone marrow appears. Under the guidance of macrophages, red blood cells practice transporting oxygen correctly and escaping from bacteria.
The protagonist's red blood cells were also previously cared for by macrophages in the red bone marrow.
Also, erythroblasts undergo enucleation when they become red blood cells. Red blood cells no longer need to divide, so their nuclei are removed. At this time, macrophages tear off the ball-like structure attached to the erythroblast's cap, allowing it to become a full-fledged red blood cell.
5. Macrophages: A Mysterious Being with Three Faces
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
Macrophages have been introduced to have three faces within the body: a killer that kills bacteria and viruses, a cleaner that cleans up dead bacteria and cells, and a nursery teacher involved in the development of erythroblasts and other cells in the bone marrow.
These many faces perhaps represent the mysterious presence of macrophages. Sometimes graceful, sometimes powerful, sometimes gentle...these macrophages show many different faces, and will continue to attract attention.
6. Macrophages are actually monocytes!?
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Monocytes are migratory cells that account for approximately 7% of all white blood cells. Their job is to destroy cells that invade the body. They have strong migratory and phagocytic abilities, giving them exceptional combat power.
They appear to be wearing protective clothing and kill bacteria by spraying something similar to insecticide. Their characteristic thumbs-up gesture after killing a bacterium is their distinctive expression.
Are monocytes actually macrophages?
Source: Cells at Work! © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Monocytes are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream, but they transform into macrophages when they leave the bloodstream. When he stripped off his heavy protective gear, Macrophage appeared, a refined figure that surprised everyone.
Summary
Source: Cells at Work! © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, David Production
The "Cells at Work!" manga series spans about five volumes, and Macrophage has appeared in various scenes throughout it, but I don't think we've yet fully discovered his true nature. It will be exciting to see what role macrophages will play in the future, and what new secrets will be revealed. Everyone, please watch "Cells at Work" and pay attention to the mysterious female macrophage.
