Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a respiratory disease characterized by inflammation due to neutrophil infiltration, has become the third leading cause of death worldwide. After the occurrence of COPD, the persistent accumulation of neutrophils can promote the excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which plays an important role in local capture and clearance of pathogens, rapid control of infection, and immune regulation. This article mainly introduces the mechanism of COPD occurrence and NETs formation as well as the research progress of NETs in COPD, and summarizes the relevant drug targets for COPD treatment based on NETs, aiming to provide a reference for further research.

Keywords

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• neutrophil extracellular traps
• targeted therapy
• mechanism of action