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fujiko_chan t1_iui8wrx wrote

Reply to comment by tr14l in How do white blood cells know in which direction there is a bacteria? by Enocli

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.

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AruthaPete t1_iuiidm8 wrote

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.

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