Monocyte

A powerful immune cell that exits blood vessels and transforms into a macrophage

A type of white blood cell that exits blood vessels, differentiates into macrophages, and exhibits powerful phagocytosis and immune regulation functions.

Trivia

  • Monocytes wear protective suits, but there is a depiction of removing the suit when transforming into a macrophage.
  • In the anime version, voiced by Kikuko Inoue.
  • Monocytes have a taciturn image, rarely speaking but conveying intentions through gestures.
  • The thumbs-up gesture serves as the monocyte's signal.
  • Macrophages are depicted as the differentiated form from monocytes, taking on more combative roles.

Alternate names

Monocyte Monocyte Tankyū

Tags

Profile

Species
Humanoid cell

Appearance

Overall appearance
Depicted as a person wearing a yellow full-body protective suit, with a taciturn personality, often communicating through gestures.
Distinguishing features
  • Yellow protective suit
  • Taciturn
  • Communicates with gestures
Iconic items
  • Yellow full-body protective suit
  • Rubber gloves
  • Boots

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Taciturn
Detailed personality
Limits communication to the minimum necessary, quiet and dutiful to duties. Occasionally shows quirks like practicing golf swings. When transforming into a macrophage, there is a depiction of removing the protective suit.
Keywords
  • Taciturn
  • Sense of responsibility
  • Loyal
  • Taciturn and calm
  • Gesture communication
  • Devoted to duties
Talents
  • Powerful phagocytosis
  • Migratory ability
  • Immune regulation
Skills
  • Differentiation from monocyte to macrophage
  • Predation and killing of pathogens
  • Antigen presentation
Motivation
To eliminate foreign substances in the body and contribute to the body's defense.
Habits
Gives signals by thumbs up, and practices golf swings when not working.

History

Backstory
Circulates within blood vessels, and migrates to extravascular tissues through the vessel wall as needed. Differentiates into a macrophage at the migration site and exerts powerful immune defense functions.
Debut date
2015-03
Work title
Cells at Work!
Media type
Manga

Anime Episode 10 Appearance

Significant event
Anime Episode 10 Appearance
Description
Appears in the anime voiced by Kikuko Inoue, depicting the transformation into a macrophage.

Appearance in One-Shot 'Cell Talk'

Significant event
Appearance in One-Shot 'Cell Talk'
Description
Appears in the prototype one-shot manga where there were unique settings like cells on strike.

Appearances in Multiple Spin-offs

Significant event
Appearances in Multiple Spin-offs
Description
Stably appears in spin-off works, with developments such as growth into a macrophage.

Live-Action Movie Adaptation

Significant event
Live-Action Movie Adaptation
Description
Appears in the 2024 live-action movie with a cast based on the character voiced by Kikuko Inoue.

Relationships

Macrophage

Differentiation target

The form after exiting blood vessels and transforming

Neutrophil

Teammate

Comrades who exterminate enemies together

Red Blood Cell

Teammate

Collaborator functioning in the same body

Immune system

Immune system: unknown

Media appearances

Cells at Work!

Manga / Supporting

March 2015 - March 2021

Cells at Work!

Anime / Supporting

July - September 2018 (Season 1)

Cells at Work!!

Anime / Supporting

January - February 2021 (Season 2)

Cells at Work! The Movie

Movie

December 13, 2024

Voice cast and creators

Kikuko Inoue

Voice actor
Kikuko Inoue
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Episode 10

Kikuko Inoue

Voice actor
Kikuko Inoue
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Live-Action Movie Version

Akane Shimizu

Creator name
Akane Shimizu
Role
Original author

Akane Shimizu

Creator name
Akane Shimizu
Role
Character designer

Akane Shimizu

Creator name
Akane Shimizu
Role
Writer

Related goods