The role of reactive nitrogen on the regulation of immune cells

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are a group of highly reactive chemicals in vivo.A number of studies have indicated that RNS are essential for immune response.On one hand, RNS can participate in the regulation of innate immunity as signal molecules, which regulate the functions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), such as chemotaxis, adhesion and PMNs-mediated killing of bacteria.RNS can also regulate the activity and quantity of natural killer cells (NKs). On the other hand, RNS can modulate acquired immunity by regulating dendritic cells(DCs) differentiation, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte activation. Key words: Reactive nitrogen species; Immune regulation