Abstract: Cell populations, compositions, and methods are provided relating to target priming of macrophage cells. The macrophages, once primed or activated with a microorganism, can be used to prevent or treat infection by the microorganism. Likewise, once primed or activated by a tumor cell or tumor antigen, the macrophage cell can be used to prevent or treat tumor of the same kind. The priming can be carried out in vitro or ex vivo. The macrophages can be isolated from the subject of disease prevention or treatment.