Neutrophils primarily help fight bacterial infections.

Biology · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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That's correct; neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in our immune system, especially when it comes to fighting bacterial infections. When the body detects the presence of bacteria, neutrophils are among the first cells to arrive at the site of infection. They travel through the bloodstream and move towards the site of the infection in a process known as chemotaxis.

Once they reach the infected area, neutrophils engage in several actions to combat the bacteria:

1. Phagocytosis: Neutrophils engulf and ingest bacteria, effectively removing them from the bloodstream or tissue.

2. Release of Enzymes: They can release enzymes and chemicals that kill bacteria directly or break down bacterial toxins.

3. Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs): Neutrophils can also expel their own DNA strands mixed with antimicrobial proteins to create networks called NETs that trap and kill bacteria.

4. Signaling: They release chemical signals that help to recruit and activate other immune cells, leading to a coordinated and robust immune response.

After attacking the bacteria, neutrophils often die in the process, and their remnants form pus, which is a common sign of infection.