Title:The Neutrophil: An Underappreciated But Key Player in SLE Pathogenesis
VOLUME: 9 ISSUE: 4
Author(s):Neelakshi R. Jog, Roberto Caricchio and Philip L. Cohen
Affiliation:Neelakshi R. Jog, Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, 1182A MERB, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Keywords:Innate immunity, lupus, neutrophil.
Abstract:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multi-organ autoimmune disease, the pathogenesis of which
is still not deciphered. The neutrophil, an innate immune cell critical in controlling infections, has traditionally not been
regarded as a contributor to systemic autoimmunity due to its lack of specificity and short lifespan. Many recent findings
have instead shown that these cells have a role in regulating the adaptive as well as the innate immune response, and that
they may play a key role in the abnormal responses seen in SLE. Neutrophils can secrete various cytokines and cellular
mediators that can regulate both innate and adaptive arms of immunity, and may serve as a source of immunogens that
may trigger and reinforce autoimmunity. In the present review we will discuss the relevance of neutrophil functions and
neutrophil regulation of the immune response in the context of SLE.
