Neutrophils are itching to specialize

Neutrophils are heterogeneous, but the mechanisms underlying their ability to polarize remain unclear. In this issue of Immunity, Gour et al. demonstrate that the GPCR Mrgpra1 and the neuropeptide NPFF, molecules involved in pain and itch, direct neutrophil polarization that impacts host defense and pneumonia susceptibility. Neutrophils are heterogeneous, but the mechanisms underlying their ability to polarize remain unclear. In this issue of Immunity, Gour et al. demonstrate that the GPCR Mrgpra1 and the neuropeptide NPFF, molecules involved in pain and itch, direct neutrophil polarization that impacts host defense and pneumonia susceptibility. A GPCR-neuropeptide axis dampens hyperactive neutrophils by promoting an alternative-like polarization during bacterial infectionGour et al.ImmunityJanuary 30, 2024In BriefAlthough it is known that pro- and anti-inflammatory neutrophils exist, the mechanisms that dictate their polarization remain unclear. Gour et al. report that neutrophils express a canonical neuronal receptor, Mrgpra1, and a neuropeptide ligand, neuropeptide FF. They find that NPFF-Mrgpra1 signaling inhibits IFNγ-mediated conditioning to promote anti-inflammatory neutrophil polarization, indicating that a neutrophil-intrinsic pathway determines their cellular fate and function. Full-Text PDF Open Access