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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
10:05
Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro
Published on: January 25, 2017
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Activated neutrophils: A next generation cellular immunotherapy.
Ninad Kumbhojkar1,2, Samir Mitragotri1,2
1Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Allston Massachusetts USA.
Bioengineering & Translational Medicine
|January 13, 2025
Summary
Activated neutrophils, despite previous limitations, show promise for cell therapies due to enhanced lifespan and immune-stimulating functions. This review explores their therapeutic potential and challenges in clinical translation for novel immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Therapy
- Oncology
Background:
- Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells but are typically disregarded for cell therapy due to short lifespan and limited understanding of their disease roles.
- Neutrophil activation significantly alters their biology, increasing lifespan, cytokine secretion, and effector functions, enhancing their immune response capabilities.
- Activated neutrophils are crucial in anti-tumor immunity and can stimulate downstream immune responses, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of activated neutrophil biology.
- To discuss mechanisms of neutrophil activation and their impact on other immune cells.
- To explore therapeutic applications and challenges of activated neutrophil-based cell therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neutrophil biology, activation, and immunotherapy.
- Analysis of neutrophil function in inflammatory and tumor microenvironments.
- Examination of existing and potential clinical applications of activated neutrophils.
Main Results:
- Neutrophil activation confers a longer lifespan and enhanced effector functions, including cytokine secretion.
- Activated neutrophils can modulate downstream immune responses and are key players in anti-tumor immunity.
- Specific conditions and activation methods present opportunities for therapeutic benefit.
Conclusions:
- Activated neutrophils represent a promising, yet underutilized, cell type for novel immunotherapies.
- Further research into activation mechanisms and clinical translation is necessary to overcome current challenges.
- Neutrophil-based cell therapies hold significant potential for treating various diseases, particularly cancer.
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