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Neutrophil in viral infections, friend or foe?

Brandon Drescher1, Fengwei Bai

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA.

Virus Research
|November 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Neutrophils, key immune cells, combat bacterial and fungal infections. Recent research highlights their significant, yet understudied, role in viral pathogenesis and disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) are primary responders to injury and infection.
  • They are critical for controlling bacterial and fungal infections via phagocytosis, degranulation, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the role of neutrophils in viral pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific studies on neutrophils and viral infections.

Main Results:

  • Neutrophils play a role in viral pathogenesis, though detailed investigations are limited.
  • This review consolidates current knowledge on neutrophil involvement in viral diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms of neutrophil action during viral infections.

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