Selenium and Selenoproteins in Neutrophil Functions

Neutrophils are innate immune cells, whose activation leads to extensive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the activation of NADPH oxidases (NOXs). ROS plays a pivotal role in modulating neutrophil functions, including phagocytosis, migration, release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), activation of proinflammatory signaling pathways, and apoptosis. Selenium is an essential micronutrient antioxidant that exhibits biological functions through its translational incorporation as the 21st amino acid selenocysteine. With their diverse enzymatic activities, selenium and selenoproteins partake in the modulation of immune cell activities through regulating multiple cellular functions, including redox balance and antioxidant defense. Given the critical role of ROS in neutrophil function, selenium and selenoproteins are likely to modulate neutrophil activities through regulating both redox-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of selenium and selenoproteins in regulating neutrophil functions.