Description

Neutrophils are a major cell type of the immune system but are notoriously challenging to study. They have often been described as a homogenous cell type but this study challenges that notion by demonstrating that human neutrophils are a heterogenous group of cells with distinct gene expression profiles. This report also describes an improved method to study neutrophils, creating a guideline for future studies of this key cell type.

What is exciting about this article?

Understanding the cells involved in any disease process is an important step to finding treatments for patients. This article increases understanding of neutrophils, an immune cell type that is involved in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions and gives scientists the tools to study them.

How does this fit into the larger NIAMS portfolio?

This article fits in well with the NIAMS profile by improving technology to aid in further understanding of the immune system. The results from this paper will be valuable for future studies aimed at understanding human disease.

Grant support

AR041210