The Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Respiratory Disease.

The Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Respiratory Disease. Chest. 2019 Jun 29;: Authors: Twaddell SH, Baines KJ, Grainge C, Gibson PG Abstract Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extrusions of intracellular DNA and attached granular material which enable bacterial killing. NETs are increasingly recognised for their role in the pathogenesis of respiratory disease. NETs are composed of a complex mix of intracellular derived material which neutrophils organise within the cytoplasm then expel in a non-directed manner in the vicinity of invading organisms. Combined, these trap and destroy multiple genera of microbes including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoans, limiting infection especially where phagocytosis is not possible. Initially NET formation was thought to be a terminal event for neutrophils, however it is now apparent that some neutrophils survive this process becoming anuclear and may drive ongoing tissue damage. NETs are now known to be directly cytotoxic to lung epithelium and endothelium and their excessive production is seen in pneumonia and acute lung injury as well as several chronic diseases, including COPD, asthma and cystic fibrosis. NETs also appear to play a role in both tumour defence and dissemination depending on the local microenvironment and the specific tumour subtype. It is becoming increasingly apparent that NET formation can be a positive or negative influence on multiple respirato...
Source: Chest - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Chest Source Type: research