Phenotypic and functional diversity of low-density neutrophils.

Neutrophils have traditionally been considered to have characteristics of short half-life, specific nuclear morphology and clear particle content. In recent years, it has been found that neutrophils are characterized by heterogeneity and plasticity. Under different physiological and pathological states, neutrophils have phenotypes and functional diversity. Among them, low-density neutrophils (LDNs) are important population of neutrophils, which are composed of a mixed population of activated mature neutrophils and immature neutrophils. LDNs have pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions, which can provide novel treatment strategies for diseases. This review focuses on phenotype and function of this unique and important neutrophilic subpopulation, LDNs, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]