As key players in the host innate immune response, neutrophils are recruited to sites of infection and constitute the first line of defense. They employ three strategies to eliminate invading microbes: microbial uptake, the secretion of antimicrobials, and the recently described release of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). Composed of decondensed chromatin and antimicrobial proteins, NETs bind and kill a variety of microbes including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition to using a repertoire of known antimicrobials, NETs incorporate histones into the antimicrobial arsenal. Furthermore, NETs may contribute to microbial containment by forming a physical barrier and a scaffold, to enhance antimicrobial synergy while minimizing damage to host tissues. Their role in innate immunity is only now being uncovered. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
CITATION STYLE
Papayannopoulos, V., & Zychlinsky, A. (2009, November). NETs: a new strategy for using old weapons. Trends in Immunology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2009.07.011
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