Dynamic modulations and functional importance of the actin network in human neutrophils

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the dynamic modulations and functional importance of the actin network in human neutrophils. The fact that the neutrophil is the dominating type of leukocyte seen at the site of an acute inflammatory reaction stresses its importance in this type of response and its vital role in body defense mechanisms. Any inflammatory reaction has to be finely tuned so that the invading microorganisms and/or dead tissues are neatly taken care of while the surrounding tissues are affected as little as possible in order not to cause any unnecessary functional impairment. Consequently, not only too weak a response but also too intense a response of neutrophils can be responsible for, on the one hand, repeated infections and, on the other hand, various types of inflammatory diseases. The recruitment of neutrophils to and the modulation of, an inflammatory reaction are based on the generation of various inflammatory mediators and on the interaction of these with specific receptors expressed on the plasma membrane of neutrophils.