Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro
10:05

Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro

Published on: January 25, 2017

An apoptosis differentiation programme in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes

S D Kobayashi1, F R Deleo

  • 1Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.

Biochemical Society Transactions
|May 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Human neutrophils initiate innate immunity but their inflammatory response termination is unclear. Genomics revealed an apoptosis differentiation program regulating neutrophil maturation and resolving bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Human neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) are crucial for innate immunity against bacterial pathogens and acute inflammation.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying the resolution of inflammation during human bacterial infections remain largely undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular basis for the termination of neutrophil-mediated inflammation during bacterial infection.
  • To gain insight into processes facilitating the resolution of neutrophil-mediated inflammation and bacterial infection using genomics strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Genomics strategies were employed to analyze gene expression changes in human neutrophils.
  • Studies focused on post-phagocytic processes and the role of reactive oxygen species.

Main Results:

  • Global changes in neutrophil gene expression after phagocytosis constitute an apoptosis differentiation program.
  • This program represents a transcription-regulated final stage of neutrophil maturation.
  • The apoptosis differentiation program influences neutrophil cell fate and pro-inflammatory activity, modulated by reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions:

  • A global model of host cell-pathogen interaction is established.
  • This model provides fundamental insights into the resolution of human bacterial infections.
  • The apoptosis differentiation program is a key mechanism in resolving neutrophil-mediated inflammation.

More Related Videos

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity12:17

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity

Published on: August 12, 2018

LPS and ATP-induced Death of PMA-differentiated THP-1 Macrophages and its Validation06:12

LPS and ATP-induced Death of PMA-differentiated THP-1 Macrophages and its Validation

Published on: May 3, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells01:15

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...