An emerging role for neutrophil extracellular traps in noninfectious disease

SK Jorch, P Kubes - Nature medicine, 2017 - nature.com
Nature medicine, 2017nature.com
The production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a process that enables neutrophils
to help catch and kill bacteria. However, increasing evidence suggests that this process
might also occur in noninfectious, sterile inflammation. In this Review, we describe the role
of NETosis in autoimmunity, coagulation, acute injuries and cancer, and discuss NETs as
potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we consider whether extracellular DNA is always
detrimental in sterile inflammation and whether the source is always NETs.
Abstract
The production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a process that enables neutrophils to help catch and kill bacteria. However, increasing evidence suggests that this process might also occur in noninfectious, sterile inflammation. In this Review, we describe the role of NETosis in autoimmunity, coagulation, acute injuries and cancer, and discuss NETs as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we consider whether extracellular DNA is always detrimental in sterile inflammation and whether the source is always NETs.
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