Giant cell
Chapter: 2
A syncytium of macrophages to form a giant, multinucleated cell. These are commonly found in association with granulomatous inflammation. Fusion of the macrophages is directed by cytokines that are produced at the site of the lesion. One of teh most potent of these is interferon-gamma; another is interleukin-4. A foreign body giant cell is a particular subtype, in that it contains visible (and often indigestible) foreign material that the cell has engulfed. Another special subtype is the Langhans giant cell. This type has its multiple nuclei arranged at the periphery of the cell in either a complete circle or, more commonly, a horseshoe configuration.
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