Immune cells, particularly those of the myeloid lineage, are progressively recognized as multitask elements that contribute to multiple aspects of physiology. Particular interest has been drawn to macrophages and neutrophils as cells with remarkable plasticity, and we propose this to be a key feature of their true biology beyond infection and inflammation. In my seminar I will discuss our published and unpublished work discussing what this plasticity implies in terms of actual phenotypic and functional diversity across the organism, and provide examples of new roles that contribute to organismal health or disease.