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Review
. 2024 Mar 29;14(4):416.
doi: 10.3390/biom14040416.

Composition and Function of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Yijie Wang  1   2   3 , Chunjing Du  4 , Yue Zhang  1   2   3 , Liuluan Zhu  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Composition and Function of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Yijie Wang et al. Biomolecules. .

Abstract

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are intricate fibrous structures released by neutrophils in response to specific stimuli. These structures are composed of depolymerized chromatin adorned with histones, granule proteins, and cytosolic proteins. NETs are formed via two distinct pathways known as suicidal NETosis, which involves NADPH oxidase (NOX), and vital NETosis, which is independent of NOX. Certain proteins found within NETs exhibit strong cytotoxic effects against both pathogens and nearby host cells. While NETs play a defensive role against pathogens, they can also contribute to tissue damage and worsen inflammation. Despite extensive research on the pathophysiological role of NETs, less attention has been paid to their components, which form a unique structure containing various proteins that have significant implications in a wide range of diseases. This review aims to elucidate the components of NETs and provide an overview of their impact on host defense against invasive pathogens, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Keywords: autoimmune diseases; cancer; host defense; neutrophil extracellular trap; proteins.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no commercial or financial conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diverse roles of NETs and their components in various pathological states.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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