Neutrophils in cancer: from biology to therapy.

The view of neutrophils has shifted from simple phagocytic cells, whose main function is to kill pathogens, to very complex cells that are also involved in immune regulation and tissue repair. These cells are essential for maintaining and regaining tissue homeostasis. Neutrophils can be viewed as double-edged swords in a range of situations.

Limited impact of traumatic brain injury on the post-traumatic inflammatory cellular response.

Purpose: Trauma triggers a systemic inflammatory cellular response due to tissue damage, potentially leading to a secondary immune deficiency. Trauma severity is quantified by the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is associated with high ISSs due to high lethality, despite limited tissue damage.

Automated, Point-of-Care mobile flow cytometry: Bringing the laboratory to the sample.

Background: Innate effector cells are very responsive to infectious and inflammatory cues found in damaged and inflamed tissues. Their activation is a potential target to assess the state of the immune system. Unfortunately, these cells are very susceptible for ex-vivo activation, hampering accurate interpretation of flow cytometry data.