Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2025 Apr 15;87(6):3573-3585. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003304. eCollection 2025 Jun.
Neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cells, are pivotal players in the innate immune system, responsible for rapid responses to infection and tissue damage. They engage in various defensive activities, including phagocytosis, degranulation, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Stress, encompassing both physiological and psychological forms, significantly influences the immune system, notably impacting neutrophil function. This review delves into the intricate interplay between stress, neutrophils, and immunity, underscoring how stress modulates neutrophil activity and the broader implications for immune health. The body's response to stress involves the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the subsequent release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can enhance or suppress immune functions, depending on the nature and duration of the stress. Acute stress may temporarily boost neutrophil activity, enhancing the body's immediate defense mechanisms. In contrast, chronic stress typically results in immunosuppression, adversely affecting neutrophil functions and increasing vulnerability to infections and inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms through which stress affects neutrophils include hormonal regulation, neuroimmune interactions, and alterations in the production of inflammatory mediators. The dynamic relationship between stress and neutrophils has significant health implications. While acute stress can enhance immune defenses, chronic stress contributes to a range of health issues, including increased infection risk, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
中性粒细胞是最丰富的白细胞类型,是先天免疫系统的关键参与者,负责对感染和组织损伤做出快速反应。它们参与各种防御活动,包括吞噬作用、脱颗粒以及中性粒细胞胞外陷阱(NETs)的形成。压力,包括生理和心理形式,会显著影响免疫系统,尤其会影响中性粒细胞的功能。本综述深入探讨了压力、中性粒细胞和免疫之间复杂的相互作用,强调了压力如何调节中性粒细胞的活性以及对免疫健康的更广泛影响。身体对压力的反应涉及下丘脑 - 垂体 - 肾上腺(HPA)轴的激活以及随后应激激素如皮质醇和肾上腺素的释放。这些激素可以增强或抑制免疫功能,这取决于压力的性质和持续时间。急性压力可能会暂时增强中性粒细胞的活性,增强身体的即时防御机制。相比之下,慢性压力通常会导致免疫抑制,对中性粒细胞功能产生不利影响,并增加感染和炎症性疾病的易感性。压力影响中性粒细胞的机制包括激素调节、神经免疫相互作用以及炎症介质产生的改变。压力与中性粒细胞之间的动态关系对健康有重大影响。虽然急性压力可以增强免疫防御,但慢性压力会导致一系列健康问题,包括感染风险增加、自身免疫性疾病以及心血管疾病和癌症等慢性炎症性疾病。