Neutrophils: neglected players in viral diseases.

Increasing evidence has shown that neutrophils are able to crosstalk with various immune cells and have paradoxical roles in pathogen infections. However, the role of neutrophils in viral infections remains poorly defined. Here, the various roles that neutrophils play in viral infections and in host immunity are discussed. Various activation mechanisms of neutrophils following virus interactions and the consequences that affect disease pathogenesis are also addressed. Such knowledge not only could be used in the development of tools for clinical management but would also value-add to the current understanding of innate immunity in viral infections and disease pathogenesis.