How do macrophages distinguish between self and non self if they are non specific?

Question

primeralph · Answer

They look in a mirror?

primeralph · Answer

@SomeGirl1999 
She might know.

anonymous · Answer

No really, they look in a mirror.

anonymous · Answer

Non-specific means that they attack any type of pathogen, it doesn't mean that they can't distinguish between self and non-self. Pathogens have antigens on their surface that the macrophages identify as foreign, and so they attack the invading pathogens.

anonymous · Answer

The antigens are type of 'marker molecules'. All the cells in our body have marker molecules that are different to the marker molecules of pathogens.

anonymous · Answer

Thankyou :)