Granulocytes function
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Granulocytes: Multifaceted Defenders in the Immune System
Introduction to Granulocytes
Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the body's immune response. They are the most abundant leukocytes and are primarily known for their role in the innate immune system, providing a rapid response to pathogens1 2. This article explores the diverse functions of granulocytes, including their roles in pathogen defense, inflammation, and immune regulation.
Pathogen Defense and Inflammatory Response
Rapid Response to Pathogens
Granulocytes, particularly neutrophils, are the first responders to sites of infection. They cross the endothelial barrier to reach infected tissues, where they engage in phagocytosis, degranulation, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eliminate pathogens3. Eosinophils and basophils also contribute to defense mechanisms, especially in allergic reactions and antiparasitic immunity3.
Role in Allergic Inflammation
In allergic reactions, granulocytes are recruited to the site of allergen exposure. Epithelial cells release alarmins and chemokines, which attract neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. These cells release mediators that enhance inflammation and tissue type 2 immunity, while also playing a role in resolving inflammation and limiting tissue damage2.
Immune Regulation and Adaptive Immunity
Antigen-Presenting Functions
Recent studies have shown that granulocytes can act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) under certain conditions. They can express MHC class II and costimulatory molecules, enabling them to stimulate T cells and bridge the gap between innate and adaptive immunity1. This challenges the traditional view of granulocytes as merely short-lived phagocytes.
Modulation of Dendritic Cells
Granulocytes also influence the function of dendritic cells (DCs), which are key players in adaptive immunity. Through the release of mediators or direct cell-cell contact, granulocytes can modulate DC activity, affecting T cell responses and the overall immune response6.
Granulocytes in Disease Contexts
Cancer and Immune Suppression
In advanced cancer patients, activated granulocytes can suppress T cell function through the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This suppression is linked to reduced cytokine production and impaired T cell receptor signaling, highlighting the role of granulocytes in systemic immune suppression in cancer5.
Genetic Disorders and Functional Defects
Granulocyte function can be impaired in genetic disorders such as Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) and myeloblastic leukemia. In CHS, granulocytes exhibit defective chemotaxis and reduced bactericidal activity, which compromises their ability to fight infections4. Similarly, in myeloblastic leukemia, granulocytes show decreased ability to kill pathogens, which improves with treatment7.
Conclusion
Granulocytes are versatile cells that play multiple roles in the immune system, from rapid pathogen defense to modulating adaptive immunity. Their functions extend beyond traditional views, encompassing roles in antigen presentation, immune regulation, and involvement in various disease states. Understanding these diverse functions can provide insights into therapeutic strategies for managing infections, allergies, and immune-related diseases.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
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 CitedGranulocyte development, tissue recruitment, and function during allergic inflammation
Granulocytes play a crucial role in allergic inflammation, promoting tissue damage and limiting inflammation's resolution.
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.
Granulocyte function in the Chediak-Higashi syndrome of mice.
The Chediak-Higashi syndrome mouse model accurately demonstrates defects in granulocyte chemotaxis and bactericidal activity, making it a useful and representative model for Chediak-Higashi syndrome in humans.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedActivated granulocytes and granulocyte-derived hydrogen peroxide are the underlying mechanism of suppression of t-cell function in advanced cancer patients.
Activated granulocytes and granulocyte-derived hydrogen peroxide are the major cause of severe systemic T-cell suppression in advanced cancer patients.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedGranulocytes as modulators of dendritic cell function
Granulocytes, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells, play a crucial role in modulating dendritic cell function, influencing adaptive immune responses and T cell proliferation and polarization.
Granulocyte function in myeloblastic leukaemia.
Granulocyte function in myeloblastic leukaemia patients is depressed, but improves during cytoreduction therapy and maintains during remission.
Granulocyte function in coronary artery disease.
Granulocytes play a potential role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia and may contribute to acute coronary events by activating neutrophils.
Granulocyte function in malignant monoclonal gammopathy.
Impaired granulocyte functions in malignant monoclonal gammopathy patients may contribute to increased susceptibility to infections.
Observational StudyControl of granulocytes and macrophages: molecular, cellular, and clinical aspects.
Colony-stimulating factors play a crucial role in regulating granulocyte and macrophage production and activity, aiding in infection prevention and suppression in individuals with blood cell defects.
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