Granulocytes definition

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Granulocytes: Definition and Functions

Definition of Granulocytes

Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. These granules contain various enzymes and proteins that are crucial for the cell's function in the immune response. The primary types of granulocytes are eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils 12.

Types of Granulocytes

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are involved in combating multicellular parasites and certain infections. They also play a role in allergic reactions and asthma. Eosinophils express Rac1 and Rac2 guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), which are part of the Rho GTPase subfamily. These molecules act as intracellular switches to regulate the release of mediators, including through exocytosis .

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granulocytes and are the first responders to microbial infection. They also express Rac1 and Rac2 GTPases, which help in the regulation of mediator release. Neutrophils are essential for the initial stages of inflammation and are involved in the recruitment of other immune cells to the site of infection .

Basophils

Basophils are the least common type of granulocytes and are primarily involved in allergic responses. They release histamine and other mediators that contribute to inflammation and allergic reactions .

Functions of Granulocytes

Inflammation and Immune Response

Granulocytes play a crucial role in the body's defense mechanisms. They are involved in the inflammatory response by releasing mediators that cause edema, recruit other leukocytes, and can lead to tissue injury. This process is essential for combating infections and initiating the healing process .

Antigen-Presenting Cells

Recent research has shown that granulocytes are not just terminally differentiated, short-lived phagocytes. They can also function as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) under certain pathological or inflammatory conditions. This means they can present antigens to T cells, thereby linking innate and adaptive immunity. Granulocytes can express MHC class II and costimulatory molecules, which are essential for T cell activation .

Conclusion

Granulocytes are a diverse and essential component of the immune system. They are involved in both the innate and adaptive immune responses, playing roles in inflammation, pathogen defense, and even antigen presentation. Understanding the functions and mechanisms of granulocytes can provide insights into new therapeutic targets for inflammatory and allergic diseases.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

The role of Rho GTPases and SNAREs in mediator release from granulocytes.

Rho GTPases and SNAREs form a common signaling pathway for mediator release from granulocytes, potentially offering novel targets for preventing inflammatory reactions.

2005·

52citations

·Paige Lacy

Granulocytes: New Members of the Antigen-Presenting Cell Family

Granulocytes can acquire antigen-presenting functions under pathological or inflammatory conditions, providing a link between innate and adaptive immunity.

Highly Cited

2017·

130citations

·Ang Lin et al.

Alcohol abuse and disorder of granulopoiesis.

Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts bone marrow granulocyte production, leading to compromised immune defense and increased risk of infectious diseases, such as septic infection.

2019·

29citations

·Xin Shi et al.

Hemocyte-hemocyte adhesion by granulocytes is associated with cellular immunity in the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus

Granulocytes in crickets effectively remove pathogens and maintain healthy hemocytes by implementing cellular immunity through adhesion and phagocytic activity.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2019·

29citations

·Youngwoo Cho et al.

Granulocyte death mediated by specific antibodies in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may contribute to anti-inflammatory effects by regulating granulocyte survival, with specific antibodies to FAS and Siglecs potentially contributing to this effect.

Rigorous Journal

2020·

17citations

·S. Graeter et al.

Granulocyte transfusions: A concise review for practitioners.

Granulocyte transfusions may be effective in selected cases as a temporary measure to control refractory infections, but require timely identification and optimal donor selection and collection techniques.

Systematic Review

2017·

39citations

·J. Gea-Banacloche

Low-Density Granulocytes in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Low-density granulocytes (LDGs) are a mixed cell population with different pathogenic features, and targeting them may improve the severity of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Literature Review

2022·

18citations

·X. Ning et al.

Granulocyte transfusions for treating infections in patients with neutropenia or neutrophil dysfunction.

Granulocyte transfusions show inconclusive evidence in reducing mortality in patients with neutropenia or neutrophil dysfunction, with mixed results from various randomized controlled trials.

Meta-Analysis

2005·

62citations

·S. Stanworth et al.

Combinatorial Single-Cell Analyses of Granulocyte-Monocyte Progenitor Heterogeneity Reveals an Early Uni-potent Neutrophil Progenitor.

ProNeu1 is an early committed progenitor responsible for strict neutrophil production within granulocyte-monocyte progenitors, which selectively expands during early sepsis at the expense of monocytes.

In Vitro StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2020·

173citations

·Immanuel Kwok et al.

Role of Mitochondria in the Regulation of Effector Functions of Granulocytes

Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating the effector functions of granulocytes, including production of reactive oxygen species, cytokine production, and apoptosis.

2023·

8citations

·N. Vorobjeva et al.

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