C5a delays apoptosis of human neutrophils via an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and Bad‐mediated signalling pathway

Abstract

This study demonstrates that in addition to the PI 3-K pathway, C5a also inhibits neutrophil apoptosis via an ERK-signalling pathway, resulting in phosphorylation of Bad and blockade of proteolytic cleavage of caspases. The activation of this additional survival-signalling pathway may be another important cellular mechanism that enhances neutrophil survival in inflammatory states.