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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:15
Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
Exploring Neutrophil Heterogeneity and Plasticity in Health and Disease
Conny Gysemans1, Mateson Beya1, Erika Pedace2,3
1Leuven Diabetes Lab, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology (CEE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Biomedicines
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Neutrophils, vital immune cells, are more complex than previously thought. Recent research reveals their heterogeneity and plasticity, impacting immune responses in health and disease, opening new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Neutrophils are the most abundant polymorphonuclear leukocytes and crucial first responders to infection.
- Traditionally viewed as simple, short-lived innate immune cells, recent research highlights their functional complexity and plasticity.
- Emerging evidence reveals significant neutrophil heterogeneity and diverse roles beyond steady-state immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated analysis of neutrophil development, maturation, heterogeneity, and plasticity.
- To examine how neutrophil characteristics influence immune modulation in healthy and diseased tissues.
- To highlight future research directions and therapeutic opportunities.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on neutrophil biology.
- Analysis of studies on neutrophil development and maturation.
- Synthesis of findings on neutrophil heterogeneity and plasticity.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils exhibit considerable heterogeneity, challenging the view of a uniform population.
- Distinct neutrophil subsets and complex plasticity are increasingly recognized.
- Neutrophil functions extend beyond innate immunity and impact homeostatic and disease conditions.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils possess diverse functional roles and significant plasticity, influencing immune responses.
- Understanding neutrophil heterogeneity and plasticity is key to advancing immune modulation strategies.
- Further research into neutrophil biology may reveal novel therapeutic interventions for various diseases.
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