Neutrophil Subsets and Their Differential Roles in Viral Respiratory Diseases

Overview

Journal J Leukoc Biol

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2022 Jan 18

PMID 35040189

Authors

YuNing Zhang

Quanbo Wang

Charles R Mackay

Lai Guan Ng

Immanuel Kwok

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Neutrophils play significant roles in immune homeostasis and as neutralizers of microbial infections. Recent evidence further suggests heterogeneity of neutrophil developmental and activation states that exert specialized effector functions during inflammatory disease conditions. Neutrophils can play multiple roles during viral infections, secreting inflammatory mediators and cytokines that contribute significantly to host defense and pathogenicity. However, their roles in viral immunity are not well understood. In this review, we present an overview of neutrophil heterogeneity and its impact on the course and severity of viral respiratory infectious diseases. We focus on the evidence demonstrating the crucial roles neutrophils play in the immune response toward respiratory infections, using influenza as a model. We further extend the understanding of neutrophil function with the studies pertaining to COVID-19 disease and its neutrophil-associated pathologies. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these results for future therapeutic options through targeting and regulating neutrophil-specific responses.

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