The Lung Microvasculature Is a Functional Immune Niche.

Authors: Granton E, Kim JH, Podstawka J, Yipp BG Abstract Lung capillaries, best known for vital gas exchange, also contribute to neutrophil margination, a phenomenon resulting in large numbers of pulmonary vascular neutrophils. Importantly, the functional relevance of neutrophil margination is unknown. Recent advances in microscopy have altered our understanding of why neutrophils marginate. Specifically, data show that lung capillaries provide a unique anatomical site for neutrophils to capture bloodstream pathogens, which contrasts the conventional monophagocytic-dominated vascular host defense of the spleen and liver. Moreover, lung capillaries provide an efficient site for direct cell-cell communication required for the induction of apoptosis in aged neutrophils. These new ide...

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