Neutrophil apoptosis and the resolution of infection.
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are the most abundant white cell in humans and an essential component of the innate immune system. PMNs are typically the first type of leukocyte recruited to sites of infection or areas of inflammation. Ingestion of microorganisms triggers production of reactive oxygen species and fusion of cytoplasmic granules with forming phagosomes, leading to effective killing of ingested microbes. Phagocytosis of bacteria typically accelerates neutrophil apoptosis, which ultimately promotes the resolution of infection. However, some bacterial pathogens alter PMN apoptosis to survive and thereby cause disease. Herein, we review PMN apoptosis and the ability of microorganisms to alter this important process.
Kennedy
Adam D
AD
Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
DeLeo
Frank R
FR
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000276:immunology*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D016207:Cytokines; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species