This research introduces NeuMap, a comprehensive transcriptional and functional map of the neutrophil compartment developed using single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse and human neutrophils across various tissues and pathological conditions. The study identifies a conserved and finite set of seven distinct transcriptional hubs (e.g., PreNeu, Immuno-silent, IFN-response, and Immunosuppression I/II) that define different functional states of neutrophils. Furthermore, the authors utilize RNA velocity and genetic tracing to map the transcriptional trajectories and dynamics of neutrophils as they mature and respond to conditions like cancer and inflammation, revealing how external signals like cytokines (e.g., GM-CSF, IFN-β) deterministically drive these cells toward specific functional states. The findings establish NeuMap as a valuable diagnostic and research scaffold that can predict host physiological states based on blood neutrophil profiles and facilitate the integration of existing and future neutrophil research data across species.

References:

• Cerezo-Wallis, D., Rubio-Ponce, A., Richter, M. et al. Architecture of the neutrophil compartment. Nature (2025). doi.org