IL-8 primarily recruits which leukocyte?

Study for the NBME Immunology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare to excel!

Multiple Choice

IL-8 primarily recruits which leukocyte?

Explanation:
IL-8 is a chemokine that acts as a powerful recruiter's signal for neutrophils during acute inflammation. When tissues detect infection, cells like macrophages release IL-8, which binds to CXCR1 and CXCR2 on neutrophils and directs them to move from the bloodstream into the affected tissue. This rapid neutrophil influx is crucial because neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial invasion, performing phagocytosis and releasing antimicrobial substances. Other leukocytes are drawn by different signals—for example, eosinophils are recruited by eosinophil-specific chemokines, while lymphocytes require other chemokines—so the distinctive role of IL-8 is to recruit neutrophils specifically.

IL-8 is a chemokine that acts as a powerful recruiter's signal for neutrophils during acute inflammation. When tissues detect infection, cells like macrophages release IL-8, which binds to CXCR1 and CXCR2 on neutrophils and directs them to move from the bloodstream into the affected tissue. This rapid neutrophil influx is crucial because neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial invasion, performing phagocytosis and releasing antimicrobial substances. Other leukocytes are drawn by different signals—for example, eosinophils are recruited by eosinophil-specific chemokines, while lymphocytes require other chemokines—so the distinctive role of IL-8 is to recruit neutrophils specifically.

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