The Role of Neutrophils Extracellular Traps in Autoimmune Diseases

Some neutrophils are shown to be able to release structures consisting of DNA strands associated with histones, decorated with about ۲۰ proteins. These structures are called Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). NETosis is the process by which the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps eventually leads to cell death. Indeed, NETosis is a cell death process that is unique from other common types of cell death. Two kinds of NETosis have been identified, vital NETosis and suicidal NETosis. Vital NETosis, unlike suicidal NETosis, occurs a few minutes after neutrophil stimulation. Suicidal NETosis can be dependent on or independent of NADPH oxidase. NADPH-independent NETosis can be induced by calcium ionophores. As long as NETs are set up properly, they play an important role in fighting infections. However, if not properly adjusted, tissue damage and inflammation increase. Furthermore, NETs are involved in some autoimmune diseases.

Keywords:

Neutrophils , NETosis , autoimmune , Neutrophil extracellular traps , NETs