Neutrophilenverschiebung

Neutrophil-derived vesicles (NDVs) are membrane-bound particles released by neutrophils during activation, degranulation, or apoptosis. They are a heterogeneous population that can range from about 50 to 1000 nanometers in diameter and carry neutrophil-derived proteins such as myeloperoxidase, elastase, and lactoferrin, as well as lipids and nucleic acids. The exact composition of NDVs depends on the stimulus, the neutrophil’s activation state, and the microenvironment.

Formation of neutrophil-derived vesicles occurs in response to proinflammatory signals such as C5a, TNF-α, IL-8, and bacterial components. NDVs can be produced through outward blebbing of the plasma membrane (microvesicles) or, in some contexts, through vesicle generation during other vesicular pathways; their classification into exosomes or microvesicles remains an area of active research. NDVs can be produced at different stages of neutrophil lifecycles, including during activation and apoptosis.

Functions attributed to NDVs include modulation of recipient cells within the vasculature and immune system. They can influence endothelial cells and macrophages, alter inflammatory responses, and participate in intercellular communication by delivering antimicrobial proteins, enzymes, lipids, and nucleic acids to nearby targets. NDVs may also affect coagulation and tissue remodeling in certain contexts, contributing to either protective or pathogenic outcomes depending on the environment.

Clinical relevance is an area of ongoing study. NDVs are investigated as potential biomarkers of inflammatory states, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer, reflecting neutrophil activation and tendency toward specific disease processes. Methodological variability in isolation and analysis presents challenges for standardization and interpretation, underscoring the need for consistent nomenclature and protocols in future research.