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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro
Published on: January 25, 2017
Human neutrophil defensins selectively chemoattract naive T and immature dendritic cells
1Division of Basic Sciences, SAIC Frederick, National Cancer Institute-Frederick cancer Research and Development Center, Maryland 21702-1201, USA.
Abstract:
Defensins, a family of cationic, structurally related, antimicrobial peptides, contribute to host defense by disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane of microbes. Here we show that human neutrophil defensins selectively induce the migration of human CD4+/CD45RA+ naive and CD8+, but not CD4+/CD45RO+ memory, T cells. Moreover, human neutrophil defensins are chemotactic for immature human dendritic cells derived from either CD34+ progenitors or peripheral blood monocytes. Upon maturation induced by treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), dendritic cells lose their responsiveness to human neutrophil defensins. The chemotactic effect of human neutrophil defensins on both T and dendritic cells is pertussis toxin-sensitive, suggesting that a G(ialpha) protein-coupled receptor is responsible. Human neutrophil defensins are also chemotactic for immature murine dendritic cells. These data suggest that, in addition to their antimicrobial role, human neutrophil defensins also contribute to adaptive immunity by mobilizing T cells and dendritic cells.
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