AUTHOR=Wang Xingyue , He Shukang , Gong Xiangmei , Lei Shijun , Zhang Qianwen , Xiong Junqi , Liu Yang 

TITLE=Neutrophils in colorectal cancer: mechanisms, prognostic value, and therapeutic implications

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1538635

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2025.1538635

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=Neutrophils, the most abundant myeloid cells in human peripheral blood, serve as the first defense line against infection and are also significantly involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC), neutrophils exhibit a dual function by promoting tumor events and exerting antitumor activity, which is related to the heterogeneity of neutrophils. The neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), gut microbiota, and various cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are involved in shaping the heterogeneous function of neutrophils. This article provides an updated overview of the complex functions and underlying mechanisms of neutrophils in CRC and their pivotal role in guiding prognosis assessment and therapeutic strategies, aiming to offer novel insights into neutrophil-associated treatment approaches for CRC.