Neutrophil function: from mechanisms to disease

Annu Rev Immunol. 2012:30:459-89. doi: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-020711-074942. Epub 2012 Jan 3.

Abstract

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in circulation, and patients with congenital neutrophil deficiencies suffer from severe infections that are often fatal, underscoring the importance of these cells in immune defense. In spite of neutrophils' relevance in immunity, research on these cells has been hampered by their experimentally intractable nature. Here, we present a survey of basic neutrophil biology, with an emphasis on examples that highlight the function of neutrophils not only as professional killers, but also as instructors of the immune system in the context of infection and inflammatory disease. We focus on emerging issues in the field of neutrophil biology, address questions in this area that remain unanswered, and critically examine the experimental basis for common assumptions found in neutrophil literature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism
  • Cell Communication / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune System / cytology
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immune System / metabolism
  • Infections / immunology
  • Infections / metabolism
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neutrophil Activation / immunology
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • Neutrophils / metabolism*