Mediators of Inflammation (Jan 2020)

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: Signaling Properties and Disease Relevance

  • Tiewei Li,
  • Zhengyan Zhang,
  • Xiaojuan Li,
  • Geng Dong,
  • Min Zhang,
  • Zhe Xu,
  • Junmei Yang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9254087
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2020

Abstract

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Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are characterized as extracellular DNA fibers comprised of histone and cytoplasmic granule proteins. NETs were first described as a form of innate response against pathogen invasion, which can capture pathogens, degrade bacterial toxic factors, and kill bacteria. Additionally, NETs also provide a scaffold for protein and cell binding. Protein binding to NETs further activate the coagulation system which participates in thrombosis. In addition, NETs also can damage the tissues due to the proteins they carry. Many studies have suggested that the excessive formation of NETs may contribute to a range of diseases, including thrombosis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, and sepsis. In this review, we describe the structure and components of NETs, models of NET formation, and detection methods. We also discuss the molecular mechanism of NET formation and their disease relevance. Modulation of NET formation may provide a new route for the prevention and treatment of releated human diseases.