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Published on: May 4, 2015
Novel strategies for targeting neutrophil against myocardial infarction
Kai Jiang1, John Hwa2, Yaozu Xiang1
1State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
Insights
Neutrophils play a complex role in heart repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Understanding their diverse functions is key to developing effective therapies for cardiac remodeling and reducing mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammation significantly impacts cardiac remodeling post-myocardial infarction (MI).
- Neutrophils are early responders to myocardial injury, often worsening inflammation and damage.
- Current neutrophil-depleting therapies for MI have yielded inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of neutrophils in the context of MI.
- To explore neutrophil heterogeneity, function, and fate after cardiac injury.
- To discuss novel strategies for targeting neutrophils to improve cardiac repair.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on neutrophil biology and function in MI.
- Analysis of recent studies on neutrophil heterogeneity and therapeutic interventions.
- Synthesis of information on neutrophil targeting strategies for translational potential.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils exhibit diverse functions depending on their location and timing post-MI.
- Simple neutrophil depletion may not be optimal; modulating neutrophil phenotypes is a promising approach.
- Targeting specific neutrophil functions offers potential for improved cardiac repair.
Conclusions:
- A nuanced understanding of neutrophil roles in MI is essential for effective treatment.
- Modulating neutrophil phenotypes, rather than broad depletion, may enhance cardiac recovery.
- Targeting neutrophils holds translational promise for reducing MI-related morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Inflammation is a crucial factor in cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Neutrophils, as the first wave of leukocytes to infiltrate the injured myocardium, exacerbate inflammation and cardiac injury. However, therapies that deplete neutrophils to manage cardiac remodeling after MI have not consistently produced promising outcomes. Recent studies have revealed that neutrophils at different time points and locations may have distinct functions. Thus, transferring neutrophil phenotypes, rather than simply blocking their activities, potentially meet the needs of cardiac repair. In this review, we focus on discussing the fate, heterogeneity, functions of neutrophils, and attempt to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their roles and targeting strategies in MI. We highlight the strategies and translational potential of targeting neutrophils to limit cardiac injury to reduce morbidity and mortality from MI.
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