Neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells in the human body, play a crucial role in responding to infections and tissue damage. Despite their significance, the intricacies of their functions, variations across different tissues, and their involvement in diseases like inflammation, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer have remained largely elusive. Their ability to both protect and exacerbate conditions, such as the inflammation seen in COVID-19, underscores their dual nature.
To address this gap, an international consortium led by researchers from the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Yale University, and Westlake University in China has introduced NeuMap. This is the first comprehensive map detailing how neutrophils are organized across various tissues, life stages, and disease states. NeuMap offers scientists an unprecedented guide to navigate the complex heterogeneity of these cells, marking a new era in immunological research.
Unraveling Neutrophil Complexity
The study, recently published in the journal Nature, analyzed over one million cells using advanced next-generation sequencing technologies. Dr. Iván Ballesteros, a professor at UC3M and a researcher at CNIC, highlighted a surprising discovery:
“Individual neutrophils live only a few hours, yet this cell population maintains a stable architecture throughout life. It is a pattern that emerges from chaos. Understanding this logic opens new avenues to guide immunity toward healing.”
Previously, the absence of a reliable benchmark hindered the understanding of neutrophils’ true roles. According to Yale-CNIC scientist Andrés Hidalgo, most prior studies were disease-specific, focusing on areas like cancer or infections.
“Here, we brought together an enormous variety of conditions—from pregnancy and fetal development to infections, cancer, myocardial infarction, and aging.”
Cross-Species Insights and Clinical Implications
By integrating diverse data, researchers observed that neutrophils follow common patterns despite their diversity. Co–first author Daniela Cerezo-Wallis from Yale University noted,
“We were able to observe how neutrophils follow common patterns despite their apparent diversity.”
Andrea Rubio-Ponce, co–first author from CNIC, explained that cross-species analyses revealed many conserved cell programs between mice and humans, facilitating clinical translation. Laiguan Ng of Westlake University added,
“This greatly facilitates translation to clinical studies and accelerates the development of biomarkers and new therapies.”
NeuMap not only organizes a traditionally fragmented field but also provides a practical tool for researchers to identify neutrophil types present in diseases and their potential functions. The atlas will be freely accessible to the global scientific community, enhancing collaborative research efforts.
Funding and Institutional Support
The research received substantial funding from various prestigious organizations, including the Cancer Research Institute, the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Fundación BBVA, Worldwide Cancer Research, NIH, and others. This underscores the global interest and investment in understanding immune cell functions.
The CNIC, an affiliate of the Carlos III Health Institute, plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular research. Directed by Dr. Valentín Fuster, it aims to translate scientific discoveries into tangible health benefits. Recognized as a Severo Ochoa center of excellence, CNIC operates under a unique public-private partnership model, reflecting its commitment to advancing medical research.
As NeuMap continues to evolve, its impact on the scientific community and potential applications in clinical settings remain promising. The initiative sets a precedent for future research endeavors, fostering a deeper understanding of the immune system’s complexities.
