Extracellular Mechanisms of Neutrophils in Immune Cell Crosstalk

Abstract

Neutrophils are professional phagocytes that provide defense against invading pathogens through phagocytosis, degranulation, generation of ROS, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Although long been considered as short-lived effector cells with limited biosynthetic activity, recent studies have revealed that neutrophils actively communicate with other immune cells. Neutrophils employ various types of soluble mediators, including granules, cytokines, and chemokines, for crosstalk with immune cells. Additionally, ROS and NETs, major arsenals of neutrophils, are utilized for intercellular communication. Furthermore, extracellular vesicles play a crucial role as mediators of neutrophil crosstalk. In this review, we highlight the extracellular mechanisms of neutrophils and their roles in crosstalk with other cells.