What role do neutrophils play in the immune system?

Neutrophils play a critical role in the immune system primarily through pathogen elimination. They are a type of white blood cell and are among the first responders to sites of infection or inflammation. When pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi, invade the body, neutrophils are recruited to the site of infection through signals from the immune system. They act quickly to engulf and destroy these pathogens through a process called phagocytosis.

Once the neutrophils reach the site of infection, they can kill pathogens using various mechanisms, including the release of enzymes from their granules, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that capture and immobilize pathogens. This ability to rapidly respond and eliminate invading organisms is a fundamental aspect of the innate immune response, making neutrophils essential for early defense against infections.

In contrast, antibody production is a function of B cells, antigen presentation is primarily carried out by dendritic cells and macrophages, and memory formation is associated with T and B lymphocytes after an immune response to provide long-term immunity. Thus, the role of neutrophils is directly tied to their function in clearing pathogens from the body.