The enigmatic neutrophil: what we do not know

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Neutrophils were historically viewed as primary effectors for pathogen eradication.
• Emerging evidence implicates neutrophils in a broader spectrum of biological processes, including tissue repair, chronic inflammation, cancer, and autoimmunity.
• Their role extends beyond innate immunity, with potential contributions to adaptive immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding roles of neutrophils beyond their traditional function.
• To highlight current knowledge gaps and areas requiring further investigation in neutrophil biology.
• To explore novel aspects of neutrophil function, including subtypes, differentiation, immune direction, residency, and lifespan.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing research and literature.
• Key areas examined include neutrophil subtypes and differentiation pathways.
• The review focuses on the neutrophil's role as a director of immunity, its residency in tissues, and its eventual fate.

Main Results:

• Neutrophils are implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including acute injury, repair, chronic inflammation, cancer, and autoimmunity.
• Neutrophils may influence adaptive immunity by contributing to or directing specific immune responses.
• Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding neutrophil subtypes, differentiation, immune modulation, tissue residency, and cell death.

Conclusions:

• The neutrophil's functional repertoire is far more complex than previously understood.
• Further research is crucial to elucidate the multifaceted roles of neutrophils in health and disease.
• Understanding these complex functions is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies.