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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
Phenotypic and Functional Diversity of Neutrophils in Gut Inflammation and Cancer
1Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract:
Neutrophils [polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)] execute important effector functions protecting the host against invading pathogens. However, their activity in tissue can exacerbate inflammation and inflammation-associated tissue injury and tumorigenesis. Until recently, PMNs were considered to be short-lived, terminally differentiated phagocytes. However, this view is rapidly changing with the emerging evidence of increased PMN lifespan in tissues, PMN plasticity, and phenotypic heterogeneity. Specialized PMN subsets have been identified in inflammation and in developing tumors, consistent with both beneficial and detrimental functions of PMNs in these conditions. Because PMN and tumor-associated neutrophil activity and the resulting beneficial/detrimental impacts primarily occur after homing to inflamed tissue/tumors, studying the underlying mechanisms of PMN/tumor-associated neutrophil trafficking is of high interest and clinical relevance. This review summarizes some of the key findings from over a decade of work from my laboratory and others on the regulation of PMN recruitment and identification of phenotypically and functionally diverse PMN subtypes as they pertain to gut inflammation and colon cancer.
Insights
Neutrophils, or polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), have complex roles in disease. Emerging research reveals diverse PMN subsets and their functions in gut inflammation and colon cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs) are crucial for host defense but can worsen inflammation, tissue injury, and cancer.
- Historically viewed as short-lived, PMNs now show extended lifespan, plasticity, and heterogeneity in tissues.
- Specialized PMN subsets exhibit both beneficial and detrimental roles in inflammation and tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review findings on the regulation of neutrophil recruitment.
- To identify diverse PMN subtypes in gut inflammation and colon cancer.
- To understand PMN trafficking mechanisms in disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory findings and existing literature.
- Analysis of PMN recruitment and trafficking.
- Identification of PMN subtypes and their functions.
Main Results:
- Neutrophil activity in tissues can be detrimental, contributing to inflammation and cancer.
- Evidence indicates increased PMN lifespan, plasticity, and heterogeneity.
- Diverse PMN subsets exist with varied roles in gut inflammation and colon cancer.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil behavior and function are context-dependent, with significant implications for gut inflammation and colon cancer.
- Understanding PMN trafficking is critical for targeting their beneficial or detrimental effects.
- Further research into PMN plasticity and heterogeneity is essential for clinical relevance.
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