Figure 1.
Neutrophil functions: state of the art in the early 2000s. After migrating to the site of inflammation, neutrophils (PMN) phagocytose and digest the invading microbes; release NETs, which likely trap bacteria; and produce cytokines, which contribute to the inflammatory reaction. Once infection is cleared, neutrophils die by apoptosis and trigger an active program to resolve inflammation. Inset, pathogen killing inside the phagosome occurs by ROS generated by the NADPH oxidase, as well as by granule enzymes released from intracellular granules. The NADPH oxidase also induces depolarization of the phagosomal membrane, which may be required for providing optimal environment inside the phagosome.