In which immune cells does NADPH deficiency prevent an oxidative burst?

NADPH is crucial for the oxidative burst that occurs in certain immune cells, particularly neutrophils and monocytes, during the process of phagocytosis. This oxidative burst generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are essential for effectively eliminating engulfed pathogens.

Neutrophils and monocytes utilize NADPH generated by the NADPH oxidase complex to produce superoxide and other ROS. These reactive molecules contribute significantly to the microbicidal function of these cells, allowing them to kill bacteria and fungi that they engulf.

A deficiency in NADPH impedes the function of NADPH oxidase, leading to a decreased production of ROS and, consequently, a compromised ability to mount an effective immune response through phagocytosis. This is particularly evident in conditions such as Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), where patients suffer from recurrent infections due to this impaired oxidative burst.

In contrast, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and mast cells primarily utilize different pathways for their immune functions and are not as directly reliant on the oxidative burst mechanism for pathogen elimination as neutrophils and monocytes are. Therefore, the response concerning NADPH deficiency and its impact on the oxidative burst is specifically relevant to neutrophils and monocytes.