What is the role of neutrophils in the immune system?

Neutrophils play a fundamental role in the innate immune response, which is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. They are specifically designed to identify, engulf, and digest bacteria and fungi, which makes their primary function to combat infections effectively. This process, known as phagocytosis, involves the neutrophil surrounding the pathogen, engulfing it, and then using digestive enzymes to break it down.

This capability is crucial during the initial stages of infection, as neutrophils are usually one of the first types of immune cells to arrive at the site of an injury or infection. Their rapid response is essential for controlling and eliminating pathogens before the adaptive immune system is activated.

While other immune cells, such as T cells and some types of cytokines, are important for coordinating the immune response and developing immunological memory, neutrophils are primarily focused on immediate action against infections through their ability to engulf and digest pathogens.