Nanomaterial Exposure Induced Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A New Target in Inflammation and Innate Immunity

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become a novel subject with impact in many research and technology areas. Nanoparticles (NPs), as a key component in nanotechnology, are widely used in many areas such as optical, magnetic, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The biomedical and pharmaceutical industries have embraced NPs as a viable drug delivery modality. As such, the potential for NP-induced cytotoxicity has emerged as a major concern for NP drug delivery systems. Thus, it is important to understand how NPs affect the innate immune system. As the most abundant myeloid cell type in innate immune responses, neutrophils are critical for concerns about potentially toxic side effects of NPs. When activated by innate immune stimuli, neutrophils may initiate NETosis to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Herein, we have reviewed the relationship between NPs and the induction of NETosis and release of NETs.