Every day, the human body manufactures and destroys about 100 billion neutrophils- the most common type of white blood cell and one of the most highly-produced cells. Neutrophils live about eight hours, are bacteria-eaters and are a key component of the immune system. Without them, the body can be subject to life-threatening infection.But how does the body keep the number of neutrophils produced constant in the blood, a mystery to scientists for decades? Researchers at the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Virginia Health System believe they have the answer.They’ve discovered that these bacteria-killers in the blood are regulated by a sophisticated physiological process, much like the body’s blood pressure or water level. Their research is detailed in the March 23 issue of the journal Immunity.
