The Role of Neutrophils in Spondyloarthritis: A Journey across the Spectrum of Disease Manifestations

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) contemplates the inflammatory involvement of the musculoskeletal system, gut, skin, and eyes, delineating heterogeneous diseases with a common pathogenetic background. In the framework of innate and adaptive immune disruption in SpA, neutrophils are arising, across different clinical domains, as pivotal cells crucial in orchestrating the pro-inflammatory response, both at systemic and tissue levels. It has been suggested they act as key players along multiple stages of disease trajectory fueling type 3 immunity, with a significant impact in the initiation and amplification of inflammation as well as in structural damage occurrence, typical of long-standing disease. The aim of our review is to focus on neutrophils' role within the spectrum of SpA, dissecting their functions and abnormalities in each of the relevant disease domains to understand their rising appeal as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Automated summary

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system, gut, skin, and eyes. Neutrophils have emerged as crucial cells in orchestrating the pro-inflammatory response in SpA, playing a significant role in inflammation initiation, amplification, and structural damage occurrence. This review aims to explore the functions and abnormalities of neutrophils in each disease domain of SpA, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.