tr14l t1_iui0h34 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 2:14 PM

Reply to comment by tinybabymoose in How do white blood cells know in which direction there is a bacteria? by Enocli

So, basically, it's not that the WBCs are following the target, but rather they are getting pushed toward it?

fujiko_chan t1_iui8wrx wrote on October 31, 2022 at 3:13 PM

Not quite. I know this isn't ELI5, but basically if the WBCs are policemen, the selectins (and others) on/near the vessel wall are going, "Hey, my friend is in trouble! This way!" and pulling on their shirt sleeves. Once it exits the vessel, they can follow concentration gradients.

AruthaPete t1_iuiidm8 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 4:17 PM

And following the bacteria from them is a bit like following the exhaust fumes of a get away vehicle faster than the vehicle is moving.

[deleted] t1_iuj4rqo wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:45 PM

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InviolableAnimal t1_iuj6f0h wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:56 PM

No, it's more like they follow the bacteria by smell (detecting its chemical traces, and also the communication "scents" of other WBCs) rather than "sight".