In this episode, Matt and Kevin discuss a paper from a few years ago showing how faster, longer signaling, more adaptable neutrophils are actually worse at their job! Specifically, knocking out a GPCR kinase GRK2 impairs the ability of neutrophils to turn off their swarming behavior impairs their ability to deal with infections.
Also, we’re thick with analogies - neutrophils are by turns mobs, berserker warriors, or agents of a fascist state.
Links
The paper: Neutrophils self-limit swarming to contain bacterial growth in vivo
Previous episode about neutrophils and NETs: Episode 5 - When the carnies roll in
National Geographic documentary: The Secret History of Bees
Atlantic article about a dumb new conspiracy theory about scientists dying
