From the Research
Inflammatory cells are primarily categorized into granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes, with granulocytes further divided into neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, each playing distinct roles in immune responses and inflammation. The main types of inflammatory cells include neutrophils, which are first responders that phagocytose pathogens and release antimicrobial substances; macrophages, which engulf debris and pathogens while coordinating the immune response through cytokine release; eosinophils, which target parasitic infections and contribute to allergic reactions; basophils and mast cells, which release histamine and other inflammatory mediators during allergic responses; lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), which provide adaptive immunity through antigen recognition and antibody production; natural killer cells, which destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells; and dendritic cells, which process antigens and present them to T cells to initiate adaptive immune responses 1. These cells work together in a coordinated manner, with some responding immediately to threats (innate immunity) while others develop targeted responses over time (adaptive immunity). The balance of these inflammatory cells is crucial, as dysregulation can lead to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or immunodeficiency conditions.
- Key characteristics of inflammatory cells:
- Neutrophils: first line of defense, phagocytose pathogens, release antimicrobial substances
- Macrophages: engulf debris and pathogens, coordinate immune response through cytokine release
- Eosinophils: target parasitic infections, contribute to allergic reactions
- Basophils and mast cells: release histamine and other inflammatory mediators during allergic responses
- Lymphocytes: provide adaptive immunity through antigen recognition and antibody production
- Natural killer cells: destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells
- Dendritic cells: process antigens and present them to T cells to initiate adaptive immune responses The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2023, which highlights the development and tissue recruitment of granulocyte subsets, and describes general effector functions and aspects of their increasingly appreciated role in limiting tissue damage 1.