Ann. Méd. Vét., 2005, 149 (1), pp 10 - 19 Neutrophil apoptosisFIEVEZ L., SEUMOIS G., LEKEUX P., BUREAU F.Abstract :
Regulation of the neutrophil life span by apoptosis provides a fine balance between their function as effector cells of host defence and a safe turnover of these potentially harmful cells. Apoptosis is thus necessary to keep cellular homeostasis under physiologic conditions. Alterations of neutrophil apoptosis are associated with diseases such as bacterial and autoimmune inflammatory diseases where neutrophil apoptosis is delayed. Excessive production of survival factors is often observed in such inflammatory responses and neutrophil survival can be increased several fold. Cytokines withdrawal, as it occurs in the resolution phase of inflammation, leads to the induction of neutrophil apoptosis. Recent studies have shown the involvement of members of the Bcl-2 protein family and caspases in the regulation and execution of neutrophil apoptosis. Cell surface receptors and protein kinases also play critical roles in transducing the signals that result in neutrophil apoptosis or extended survival. The aim of this review is to summarise the principal molecular mechanisms and components of neutrophil apoptosis. Get the PDF Contact person : Laurence.fievez@ulg.ac.be |