Balance between autocrine interleukin-1b and caspases defines life versus death of polymorphonuclear cells.

INTRODUCTION Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), the major cell population involved in acute inflammatory response, represent the first line of defence against infection and injury. In response to chemotactic stimuli, PMN are quickly recruited into the inflammed site where they eliminate invaders thanks to their potent phagocytic and degradative abilities. Having accomplished their defence function, ageing PMN are removed upon recognition [...]