What is a primary function of neutrophils?

What is a primary function of neutrophils?

• A. Engulf bacteria to form a phagocytic vacuole
• B. Release histamine
• C. Present antigens to T cells
• D. Produce antibodies

Answer: (A)

Neutrophils are the rapid responders in the innate immune system, and their primary function is phagocytosis of invading bacteria. They engulf the microbe to form a phagocytic vacuole, then fuse this with lysosomes to create a phagolysosome where bacterial killing occurs through enzymes and reactive oxygen species. This ability to quickly grab and digest bacteria is what makes neutrophils central to early infection control, and they can also trap pathogens with extracellular nets. Other options point to roles of different immune cells: histamine release is mainly from mast cells and basophils and drives inflammation; presenting antigens to T cells is primarily done by dendritic cells and macrophages; antibodies are produced by B cells.

Neutrophils are the rapid responders in the innate immune system, and their primary function is phagocytosis of invading bacteria. They engulf the microbe to form a phagocytic vacuole, then fuse this with lysosomes to create a phagolysosome where bacterial killing occurs through enzymes and reactive oxygen species. This ability to quickly grab and digest bacteria is what makes neutrophils central to early infection control, and they can also trap pathogens with extracellular nets. Other options point to roles of different immune cells: histamine release is mainly from mast cells and basophils and drives inflammation; presenting antigens to T cells is primarily done by dendritic cells and macrophages; antibodies are produced by B cells.