Never underestimate the power of a neutrophil.
Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs) have long been viewed as short-lived effector cells capable of phagocytosing pathogens and mediating tissue damage. In this issue of Immunity, Zhang et al. (2009) shed fresh light on the plasticity and immunoregulatory functions of PMNs.
Cassatella
Marco A
MA
Department of Pathology, Division of General Pathology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy.
Locati
Massimo
M
Mantovani
Alberto
A
D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D008954:Models, Biological; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D015398:Signal Transduction