Mechanistic consideration of the effect of perioperative volatile anesthetics on phagocytes

A growing literature has shown that volatile anesthetics are promiscuous molecules targeting multiple molecules, some of which are critical for immunological functions. We focused on studies that delineated target molecules of volatile anesthetics on immune cells and summarized the effects of volatile anesthetics on immune functions. We also presented the perspectives of studying volatile anesthetics-mediated immunomodulation. •Volatile anesthetics target immunological molecules in neutrophils.•Volatile anesthetics can target multiple molecules in the same immunological signaling cascade.•Understanding the detailed mechanism of anesthetics on immune system will allow us to redesign anesthetics.