Neutrophil extracellular traps: from physiology to pathology . Issue 13 (14th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hidalgo, Andres; Libby, Peter; Soehnlein, Oliver; Aramburu, Iker Valle; Papayannopoulos, Venizelos; Silvestre-Roig, Carlos
• Is Part Of: Cardiovascular research. Volume 118:Issue 13(2022)
• Page Start: 2737
• Page End: 2753
• Publication Date: 2021-10-14
• Subjects: Neutrophil -- NETosis -- Sterile inflammation; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Periodicals; 616.1
• DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab329
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6363

Abstract

Abstract: At the frontline of the host defence response, neutrophil antimicrobial functions have adapted to combat infections and injuries of different origins and magnitude. The release of web-like DNA structures named neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) constitutes an important mechanism by which neutrophils prevent pathogen dissemination or deal with microorganisms of a bigger size. At the same time, nuclear and granule proteins with microbicidal activity bind to these DNA structures promoting the elimination of entrapped pathogens. However, these toxic properties may produce unwanted effects in the host, when neutrophils uncontrollably release NETs upon persistent inflammation. As a consequence, NET accumulation can produce vessel occlusion, tissue damage, and prolonged inflammation associated with the progression and exacerbation of multiple pathologic conditions. This review outlines recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of NET release and functions in sterile disease. We also discuss mechanisms of physiological regulation and the importance of neutrophil heterogeneity in NET formation and composition.