Neutrophil dysfunction

Abstract

The polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN), or neutrophil, plays a central role in the defense of the body against acute bacterial infection. PMNs also migrate to sites of tissue necrosis and actively participate in the early stages of repair. They may have tumoricidal activity and thereby play a role in the immune surveillance which is thought to be important in controlling neoplastic disease. Two cases which illustrate defects in neutrophil motility and oxidative metabolism are described. A number of intrinsic neutrophil defects are reviewed.