Disorders of Phagocyte Chemotaxis

Recent advances in understanding the physiologic and biochemical bases for recruitment of phagocytes to inflammatory sites has led to the recognition of patients who have recurrent infections because of abnormalities of phagocyte chemotaxis. In some of these patients there is abnormal chemoattractant mediator production or regulation, whereas in others there are defects in phagocytic cell function. The cellular defects in chemotaxis can be characterized as either intrinsic defects of the cellular motility apparatus or acquired defects from mediators influencing cell function or from shifts in circulating phagocyte subpopulations. Systematic study of these defects has resulted in functional, biochemical, and ultrastructural characterization of abnormal phagocyte chemotaxis in certain patients, and in some patients study has led to rational approaches for treatment. Clinical trials assessing the efficacy of such pharmacologic agents are underway.