Neutrophil extracellular traps: A strategic tactic to defeat pathogens with potential consequences for the host

Abstract

Recent investigations have highlighted new roles for neutrophils in the biology of infection and inflammation. Neutrophils are one of the main players in the innate immune system and actively contribute to host defense by killing pathogens. Added to their ability to eliminate microorganisms by phagocytosis, neutrophils can also kill microbes by capturing them in extracellular structures consisting of granule proteins and DNA called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This review summarizes the recent advancements regarding the structure, production and biological relevance of NETs. © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.