Development and maturation of neutrophils

Inflammatory processes require the activation of immunocompetent cells. In mammals, neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) constitute one of the essential body defences against diseases. In this article knowledge of the development and maturation of neutrophils, the control of haematopoiesis and of the factors that regulate neutrophil production is reviewed. As it has recently become apparent that neutrophils can be primed by cytokines to have enhanced functional activity, the future utilization of these growth factors in bovine immunotherapy is briefly discussed.