Neutrophil subtype migration in patients with Behcet's Disease (360G-Wellcome-211719_Z_18_Z)

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder affecting the vasculature. Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte in the blood and is shown to directly influence that pathogenesis of BD. These cells circulate in the blood and infiltrate tissue at sites of inflammation as a result of chemotaxis gradients set up by the release of chemokines from the inflamed tissue. Neutrophils belong to the broad category of granulocytes and kill unwanted pathogens by the process of phagocytosis. Internalisation of the pathogen into a phagosome allows the neutrophil granules filled with toxic molecules to fuse with the phagosome killing the pathogen. Until recently it was identified there are different types of neutrophils. In this project I will be purifying low and normal density neutrophils taken from patients with BD, to be compared with results obtained from healthy, age and sex-matched individuals. Cells obtained will be used in migration studies to determine their response to the chemokine gradient. Moreover, receptors for the attracting molecules on the surface of the neutrophils will be analysed for expression levels. I hope to achieve results that can add to the understanding of neutrophils in BD and potentially in other conditions.