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The formation and function of the neutrophil phagosome.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Naish, Emily 
Stewart, Andrew P 
Routledge, Matthew 
Morris, Andrew Conway 

Abstract

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating leukocyte and are crucial to the initial innate immune response to infection. One of their key pathogen-eliminating mechanisms is phagocytosis, the process of particle engulfment into a vacuole-like structure called the phagosome. The antimicrobial activity of the phagocytic process results from a collaboration of multiple systems and mechanisms within this organelle, where a complex interplay of ion fluxes, pH, reactive oxygen species, and antimicrobial proteins creates a dynamic antimicrobial environment. This complexity, combined with the difficulties of studying neutrophils ex vivo, has led to gaps in our knowledge of how the neutrophil phagosome optimizes pathogen killing. In particular, controversy has arisen regarding the relative contribution and integration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-derived antimicrobial agents and granule-delivered antimicrobial proteins. Clinical syndromes arising from dysfunction in these systems in humans allow useful insight into these mechanisms, but their redundancy and synergy add to the complexity. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the formation and function of the neutrophil phagosome, examine new insights into the phagosomal environment that have been permitted by technological advances in recent years, and discuss aspects of the phagocytic process that are still under debate.

Description

Keywords

neutrophil, phagocytosis, phagosome, Humans, Neutrophils, Phagosomes, Phagocytosis, Phagocytes, Reactive Oxygen Species

Journal Title

Immunol Rev

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0105-2896
1600-065X

Volume Title

Publisher

John Wiley and Sons
Sponsorship
British Infection Association (BIA) (2021/RPG/MR)
MRC (MR/V006118/1)
Academy of Medical Sciences (SGL023\1108)
Supported by: Avant Doctor in Training Research Scholarship 2021/000023 (A.J.T.W); Evelyn Trust Clinical Research Fellowship (M.R.); British Infection Association (M.R.); Academy of Medical 40 Sciences Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers (A.P.S); Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist Fellowship MR/V006118/1 (A.CM); Academy of Medical Sciences Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers SGL024\1086 (K.M.L.); and NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (K.M.L., E.R.C.)