What blood cells fight infection
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Blood Cells That Fight Infection
Introduction to Immune Cells
The human body has a sophisticated immune system designed to combat infections. Various types of blood cells play crucial roles in identifying, attacking, and eliminating pathogens. This article explores the primary blood cells involved in fighting infections, including their mechanisms and interactions.
White Blood Cells (WBCs) in Infection Defense
Neutrophils: The First Responders
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that serve as the first line of defense against bacterial and fungal infections. They are rapidly mobilized to infection sites where they engulf and destroy pathogens through phagocytosis and the release of lytic enzymes and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)10. Neutrophils are constantly regenerated from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to meet the high turnover demand during infections10.
T Cells: Targeted Attackers
T cells, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells), are essential for targeting and killing virally infected cells. They produce acetylcholine to dilate blood vessels, enhancing their migration into infected tissues and facilitating the clearance of chronic viral infections2. T cells are crucial for the adaptive immune response, providing a targeted and sustained attack against specific pathogens.
Natural Killer (NK) Cells: Versatile Defenders
Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical components of the innate immune system. They can rapidly lyse infected cells and produce cytokines like interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which shape both innate and adaptive immune responses8 9. NK cells are particularly effective against viral infections and have been shown to interact with other leukocytes to enhance their antibacterial activities8.
B Cells: Antibody Producers
Marginal Zone (MZ) and B1 B Cells
Marginal zone (MZ) and B1 B cells are specialized B cells located in the spleen. They play a pivotal role in the early immune response against T-independent blood-borne particulate antigens. These cells rapidly produce IgM antibodies, providing a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune responses1 3. MZ and B1 B cells are crucial for the initial defense against bacterial infections.
Interaction with Dendritic Cells
Blood-derived dendritic cells (DCs) interact with MZ B cells to initiate T-independent immune responses. DCs capture and transport particulate bacteria to the spleen, where they provide critical survival signals to MZ B cells, promoting their differentiation into IgM-secreting plasmablasts3.
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in Immune Response
Nucleated Red Blood Cells
In non-mammalian vertebrates, nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) have been shown to participate in immune responses. These cells can perform functions such as phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and cytokine production, contributing to the antiviral response7. Although mature mammalian RBCs lack nuclei, they still play roles in immune regulation through mechanisms like immune complex clearance and interaction with other lymphocytes4.
Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells (HSPCs)
Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are vital for maintaining the supply of immune cells during infections. They respond to infectious stress by increasing the production of myeloid cells, including neutrophils, to meet the heightened demand during systemic infections5 10. HSPCs are regulated by cytokine signaling and direct sensing of pathogen-derived molecules.
Conclusion
The immune system relies on a diverse array of blood cells to fight infections effectively. Neutrophils, T cells, NK cells, and B cells each play unique and complementary roles in identifying, attacking, and eliminating pathogens. Additionally, red blood cells and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells contribute to the immune response through various mechanisms. Understanding the functions and interactions of these cells is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving infection control.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Marginal zone and B1 B cells unite in the early response against T-independent blood-borne particulate antigens.
Splenic marginal zone B cells and B1 B cells play a crucial role in the early response against blood-borne pathogens, providing a bridge between early innate and adaptive immune responses.
Highly CitedBlood dendritic cells interact with splenic marginal zone B cells to initiate T-independent immune responses.
Blood-derived neutrophil granulocytes and CD11c(lo) immature dendritic cells efficiently capture and transport particulate bacteria to the spleen, where they provide critical survival signals to antigen-specific marginal zone B cells, promoting their differentiation into IgM-secreting plasmablast
Highly Cited[The role of red blood cells in immune response to infection: A review].
Red blood cells play a crucial role in anti-infectious immunity, regulating immune responses and playing a role in inflammatory responses.
How hematopoietic stem/progenitors and their niche sense and respond to infectious stress.
Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) play a crucial role in fighting systemic infection through various mechanisms, including cytokine signaling, niche function, and direct sensing of pathogen-derived molecules.
Non-radioactive and sensitive tracking of neutrophils towards inflammation using antibody functionalized magnetic particle imaging tracers
Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) effectively tracks neutrophils towards inflammation, providing non-invasive and radiation-free detection of inflammation in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide-induced myositis.
Rigorous JournalNucleated red blood cells: Immune cell mediators of the antiviral response
Nucleated red blood cells play a novel role as immune response cell mediators during viral infections, enhancing the immune response against viral infections.
Natural Killer (NK) Cells in Antibacterial Innate Immunity: Angels or Devils?
NK cells contribute to antibacterial immunity by producing interferon-, which can both benefit and harm the body depending on the circumstances.
Highly CitedNatural Killer Cell Responses to Infections in Early Life
NK cells participate in early life immune responses to infectious diseases, but their effectiveness in controlling infections remains unclear.
Highly CitedRegulation of Inflammation- and Infection-Driven Hematopoiesis.
Inflammation and infection-driven hematopoiesis are regulated by innate immune cells, with neutrophils playing a key role in defense against pathogens.
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