Does enhanced neutrophil function contribute to the pathogenesis of HLA-B27 associated diseases?

Abstract

Neutrophils are considered to play an important role in an acute inflammatory reaction; they cause tissue injury both by liberating lysosomal enzymes and generating oxygen-derived free radicals, and they may participate in the regulation of both capillary permeability and the rate of vasodilatation, the two important aspects in microvascular changes at the site of inflammation. Recently, evidence has accumulated that neutrophil function is enhanced in HLA-B27 positive subjects as compared with HLA-B27 negative ones. Such hyperreactive neutrophils may trigger a vicious circle of inflammation and thereby contribute to tissue injury in HLA-B27 associated diseases.

Key Words:

• neutrophil
• chemotaxis
• HLA-B27