A variety of death modes of neutrophils and their role in the etiology of autoimmune diseases

Immunol Rev. 2024 Jan;321(1):280-299. doi: 10.1111/imr.13284. Epub 2023 Oct 18.

Abstract

Neutrophils are important in the context of innate immunity and actively contribute to the progression of diverse autoimmune disorders. Distinct death mechanisms of neutrophils may exhibit specific and pivotal roles in autoimmune diseases and disease pathogenesis through the orchestration of immune homeostasis, the facilitation of autoantibody production, the induction of tissue and organ damage, and the incitement of pathological alterations. In recent years, more studies have provided in-depth examination of various neutrophil death modes, revealing nuances that challenge conventional understanding and underscoring their potential clinical utility in diagnosis and treatment. This review explores the multifaceted processes and characteristics of neutrophil death, with a focus on tailored investigations within various autoimmune diseases. It also highlights the potential interplay between neutrophil death and the landscape of autoimmune disorders. The review encapsulates the pertinent pathways implicated in various neutrophil death mechanisms across diverse autoimmune diseases while also charts possible avenues for future research.

Keywords: apoptosis; autoimmune diseases; death modes; necrosis; neutrophils; pyroptosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Neutrophils*