Neutrophil 'connectivity': key to neutrophil-mediated tissue injury?

Abstract

Neutrophils use cell surface molecules to communicate with their external environment. These molecules are markers reflecting neutrophil development, activation status and cell function. They are also critically important in controlling neutrophil behavior. Targeting these cell surface molecules is an attractive approach in the treatment of neutrophil-mediated conditions.

Figure 1

Confocal laser scanning microscopy images of immunostained peripheral blood neutrophils of asthmatic subjects. Representative images of human neutrophils stained with Alexa-conjugated secondary antibody (red) to detect elastase, and BODIPY-FL-conjugated secondary antibody (green) to detect immunoreactivity against CD63. (a) Resting peripheral blood neutrophil labeled with Alexa indicating elastase immunoreactivity. (b) Resting peripheral blood neutrophil labeled with BODIPY-FL indicating CD63 immunoreactivity. (c) Combined image of CD63 and elastase immuno-staining in resting cells. (d) IL-8-activated (50 ng/ml) peripheral blood neutrophil labeled with Alexa indicating elastase immunoreactivity. (e) IL-8-activated (50 ng/ml) peripheral blood neutrophil labeled with BODIPY-FL indicating CD63 immunoreactivity. (f) Combined image of CD63 and elastase immunostaining in IL-8-activated (50 ng/ml) peripheral blood neutrophil. Original magnification, 63 × 10 for all images.