Neutrophils: First Responders of the Immune System
Key Features
- Most abundant leukocyte (50–70% of WBCs).
- Short‑lived (10–12 h in circulation).
- Produced in bone marrow; released in response to G‑CSF, chemokines.
Functions
- Phagocytosis of bacteria, fungi.
- Release ROS, antimicrobial peptides, NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps).
- Produce cytokines/chemokines to recruit other immune cells.
Clinical Relevance
Essential for bacterial defense; neutrophilia in infection, stress, steroids. Excessive activation contributes to tissue damage in sepsis, ARDS, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune diseases.
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