Molecular GPS Guides Neutrophils to Sites of Infection
Through a multistep process, signals from infected cells trigger the formation of a receptor complex that directs neutrophils out of blood vessels toward infection sites without damaging healthy tissue. The post Molecular GPS Guides Neutrophils to Sites of Infection appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
A scientific collaboration between the University of Bath and UMass Chan Medical School has uncovered how neutrophils, immune system defenders, navigate to infection sites while avoiding collateral damage. The research, published in Science Advances, unveils a multi-step molecular process guiding these cells. When infected cells release a molecule called hepoxilin A3, it is detected by TRPV2, a sensor protein on neutrophil surfaces.
TRPV2 then binds with CB2R, forming a signaling complex that steers neutrophils toward the infection. Importantly, neutrophils remain unscathed during migration, releasing no harmful agents. This discovery could lead to targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases, preserving the immune system's protective capabilities without causing unnecessary tissue damage.
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