Do Red Blood Cells Kill Germs? No—White Blood Cells and Antibodies Do
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) do not destroy pathogens. Their sole primary function is gas transport: O₂ delivery via hemoglobin, CO₂ removal.
Actual Antimicrobial Defenses
- Phagocytes: Neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages – engulf, kill via oxidative burst, enzymes, NETs.
- Lymphocytes: Cytotoxic T cells (virus‑infected cells), NK cells.
- Humoral Immunity: B cells → antibodies (opsonization, neutralization, complement activation).
- Complement System: Membrane attack complex (lysis), opsonins (C3b), anaphylatoxins (recruitment).
- Barrier Defenses: Skin, mucosa, cilia, defensins, microbiome competition.
Erythrocytes can bind immune complexes via CR1 (complement receptor 1) and transport them to spleen/liver for clearance—a supportive, not destructive, role.
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