Neutrophils in host defense: new insights from zebrafish

EA Harvie, A Huttenlocher - Journal of Leucocyte Biology, 2015 - academic.oup.com
EA Harvie, A Huttenlocher
Journal of Leucocyte Biology, 2015academic.oup.com
Neutrophils are highly motile phagocytic cells that play a critical role in the immune
response to infection. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are increasingly used to study neutrophil
function and host-pathogen interactions. The generation of transgenic zebrafish lines with
fluorescently labeled leukocytes has made it possible to visualize the neutrophil response to
infection in real time by use of optically transparent zebrafish larvae. In addition, the genetic
tractability of zebrafish has allowed for the generation of models of inherited neutrophil …
Abstract
Neutrophils are highly motile phagocytic cells that play a critical role in the immune response to infection. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are increasingly used to study neutrophil function and host-pathogen interactions. The generation of transgenic zebrafish lines with fluorescently labeled leukocytes has made it possible to visualize the neutrophil response to infection in real time by use of optically transparent zebrafish larvae. In addition, the genetic tractability of zebrafish has allowed for the generation of models of inherited neutrophil disorders. In this review, we discuss several zebrafish models of infectious disease, both in the context of immunocompetent, as well as neutrophil-deficient hosts and how these models have shed light on neutrophil behavior during infection.
Oxford University Press