Matrix-producing neutrophils populate and shield the skin Articles uri icon

published in

publication date

  • May 2025

start page

  • 1

end page

  • 40

issue

  • 8063

volume

  • 641

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0028-0836

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1476-4687

abstract

  • Defence from environmental threats is provided by physical barriers that confer mechanical protection and prevent the entry of microorganisms. If microorganisms overcome those barriers, however, innate immune cells use toxic chemicals to kill the invading cells. Here we examine immune diversity across tissues and identify a population of neutrophils in the skin that expresses a broad repertoire of proteins and enzymes needed to build the extracellular matrix. In the naive skin, these matrix-producing neutrophils contribute to the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix, reinforce its mechanical properties and promote barrier function. After injury, these neutrophils build rings of matrix around wounds, which shield against foreign molecules and bacteria. This structural program relies on TGF... signalling; disabling the TGF... receptor in neutrophils impaired ring formation around wounds and facilitated bacterial invasion. We infer that the innate immune system has evolved diverse strategies for defence, including one that physically shields the host from the outside world.

subjects

  • Biology and Biomedicine