Inflammatory infiltrate

Inflammatory infiltrate is a term used in pathology to describe the accumulation of immune cells at a site of inflammation or infection. This process is a key component of the body's immune response, and it plays a crucial role in the body's defense against pathogens and in the healing of injured tissues.

Overview

The inflammatory infiltrate is composed of various types of immune cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils. These cells are attracted to the site of inflammation or infection by chemotactic signals, which are released by damaged tissues and by other immune cells.

Once at the site of inflammation, these cells perform various functions. Neutrophils, for example, are capable of phagocytosis, a process in which they engulf and destroy pathogens. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, are involved in the adaptive immune response, and they can produce antibodies that specifically target the invading pathogen. Macrophages also perform phagocytosis, and they play a key role in the immune regulation, as they can release cytokines that modulate the immune response.

Role in Disease

While the inflammatory infiltrate is a crucial part of the body's defense against pathogens, it can also contribute to disease in certain circumstances. In some cases, the immune cells in the infiltrate can cause damage to the body's own tissues, leading to autoimmune diseases. In other cases, the inflammatory infiltrate can become chronic, leading to long-term inflammation and tissue damage. This is seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Furthermore, the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate can provide clues about the nature of the underlying disease. For example, a predominance of neutrophils is often seen in acute bacterial infections, while a predominance of lymphocytes can indicate a viral infection or an autoimmune disease.

See Also

• Inflammation
• Immune response
• Autoimmune disease
• Chronic inflammation