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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

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Neutrophil granulocytes as host cells and transport vehicles for intracellular pathogens: apoptosis as

Tamás Laskay1, Ger van Zandbergen, Werner Solbach

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany. Tamas.Laskay@uk-sh.de

Immunobiology
|April 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Intracellular pathogens can survive within polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) by extending neutrophil lifespan or suppressing immune signaling. Apoptotic PMN can act as "Trojan horses," promoting disease by carrying pathogens to macrophages.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are key innate immune cells for pathogen destruction.
  • Intracellular pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade killing within PMN.
  • Neutrophil apoptosis can facilitate pathogen dissemination to macrophages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review pathogen survival strategies within neutrophils.
  • To summarize findings on human neutrophil-intracellular pathogen interactions.
  • To discuss the role of apoptotic neutrophils in Leishmania major infection pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on neutrophil-pathogen interactions.
  • Presentation of original research findings on human neutrophils and intracellular pathogens.
  • Analysis of the role of apoptotic neutrophils in Leishmania major infection.

Main Results:

  • Pathogens extend PMN lifespan and interfere with signaling pathways to survive.
  • Apoptotic PMN can act as 'Trojan horses,' transferring viable pathogens to macrophages.
  • Apoptotic neutrophils contribute to disease promotion in Leishmania major infections.

Conclusions:

  • Intracellular pathogens employ sophisticated mechanisms to exploit neutrophils for survival and spread.
  • Apoptotic neutrophils represent a critical route for pathogen dissemination and disease establishment.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for developing therapeutic strategies against intracellular pathogens.

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