Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
CD177 Deficiency Defines a Stable Subtype of Human Neutrophil Granulocytes with Tumor Promoting Activity
Marcel Jung1, Alexander Beer1, Susmita Ghosh2
1Institute For Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Abstract:
The surface protein CD177 on human neutrophil granulocytes is linked to tissue infiltration. In most individuals, circulating neutrophils comprise distinct fractions of CD177-expressing (CD177+) and non-expressing (CD177-) cells, which differ functionally and influence disease outcomes. Currently, CD177 is considered a dynamic activation marker ultimately expressed by most neutrophils. Here, we show that, instead, CD177--neutrophils represent a stable subpopulation that never acquires CD177. CD177+- to CD177--neutrophil ratios persist over time in individuals, regardless of circadian rhythms or inflammation. Neutrophils remain CD177- during in vitro stimulation and are morphologically similar to CD177+-cells, but differ markedly regarding protein composition. Following stem cell transplantation, the host bone marrow defines the CD177-pattern of mature neutrophils. Functionally, CD177- neutrophils display pro-tumoral properties, including elevated arginase expression and enhanced tumor-supporting activity, are enriched in human head-and-neck cancer tissues, and associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Hence, CD177-expression or -absence defines stable human neutrophil subtypes with distinct functions.
Related Concept Videos
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Classification of Leukocytes
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Abnormal Proliferation

