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The role of neutrophils and monocytes in innate immunity

Chahrazade Kantari1, Magali Pederzoli-Ribeil, Véronique Witko-Sarsat

  • 1INSERM U845, Necker Hospital, Paris, France.

Contributions to Microbiology
|May 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocyte/macrophages (MMs) are crucial immune cells. Understanding their roles beyond pathogen killing, particularly in regulating inflammation, is key for future research and treating inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocyte/macrophages (MMs) are professional phagocytes vital for host defense against pathogens.
  • These cells, while essential for eliminating infectious agents, can also contribute to tissue damage during inflammation.
  • Emerging evidence highlights their expanded roles in immunity, extending beyond phagocytosis to modulating innate immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and compare the origins, functions, and inflammatory roles of PMNs and MMs.
  • To emphasize novel concepts regarding neutrophil survival and the resolution of inflammation.
  • To identify future research directions in phagocyte biology and inflammation modulation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on PMN and MM functions in immunity and inflammation.
  • Discussion of molecular mechanisms underlying phagocytosis and pathogen killing.
  • Analysis of the role of efferocytosis (engulfment of apoptotic PMNs by macrophages) in inflammation resolution.

Main Results:

  • PMNs and MMs share phagocytic capabilities but differ in their origins and specific functions.
  • The engulfment of apoptotic PMNs by macrophages is a critical event in resolving inflammation.
  • Current understanding of phagocyte roles in regulating and inhibiting inflammation is incomplete.

Conclusions:

  • Phagocytes like PMNs and MMs are central to both initiating and resolving inflammatory processes.
  • Further research into their regulatory functions is essential for understanding and treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
  • Exploring novel mechanisms of phagocyte-mediated inflammation control offers promising therapeutic avenues.

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