Kupffer cells are the liver-resident macrophages and represent the first line of defense between the pathogens circulating from the intestines through the portal vein and systemic circulation. Recent works have highlighted the complex heterogeneity of macrophage functions and origins, thus raising awareness on the need for a better characterization of macrophage populations. The immunohistochemistry method here described, allows for a rapid distinction between Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived macrophages present on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded mouse liver samples. This protocol has been optimized for its reproducibility, reliability, and simplicity.
Keywords: CLEC4F/CLECSF13; Confocal microscopy; FFPE liver sections; IBA1; Immunofluorescence; Kupffer cell; Liver; Macrophage; Monocyte.