What happens to neutrophils at the end of an inflammatory response?

At the end of an inflammatory response, neutrophils primarily undergo apoptosis, a programmed form of cell death. This process is crucial for resolving inflammation and is part of a tightly regulated mechanism to prevent excessive damage to tissues. When the signals of inflammation subside, neutrophils that have infiltrated the affected area start to die off, allowing for the clearance of these immune cells to prevent chronic inflammation.

This apoptosis process facilitates the transition from the inflammatory phase to the repair and healing phase. Following apoptosis, these dying neutrophils are usually cleared by phagocytic cells like macrophages, which helps to maintain tissue homeostasis.

The other choices reflect processes that are more characteristic of different stages of the immune response or functions of other immune cells, rather than the final fate of neutrophils following inflammation. Understanding the apoptotic pathway of neutrophils is essential in recognizing how the body controls inflammation and prevents tissue damage.