Life towards death: Neutrophils in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Neutrophils are key components of the innate immune system, rapidly migrating to sites of infection or inflammation to perform bactericidal functions. Their lifespan is short, spanning from development and circulation to migration, aging, and eventual death. Neutrophil death plays a critical role in both physiological and pathological processes. This review explores the different death mechanisms of neutrophils, including apoptosis, NETosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, and discusses their implications in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). This review examines the connection between neutrophil metabolism and cell death, as well as potential interactions among these death pathways. A clearer understanding of these death mechanisms in the context of immune diseases can enhance our comprehension of disease pathogenesis and inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.