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Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: How to Generate and Visualize Them
Published on: February 24, 2010
Neutrophil extracellular traps: how to generate and visualize them
Volker Brinkmann1, Britta Laube, Ulrike Abu Abed
1Core Facility Microscopy, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|February 26, 2010
Summary
Neutrophils release Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), which are DNA fibers that trap and kill pathogens. This innate immune response, called NETosis, is crucial for fighting infections and may be involved in autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neutrophils are key immune cells that phagocytose pathogens.
- Neutrophils possess antimicrobial granules for intracellular killing.
- An additional antimicrobial mechanism utilized by neutrophils was investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel mechanism of microbial killing by neutrophils.
- To elucidate the formation and function of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs).
- To describe methods for NET isolation and visualization.
Main Methods:
- Correlative microscopy (TEM, SEM, immunofluorescence, live cell imaging).
- Isolation and stimulation of human neutrophils.
- Assessment of NET formation and degradation.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils release DNA and granule proteins forming NETs that bind and kill pathogens.
- NETosis is a distinct cell death program dependent on Reactive Oxygen Species.
- NETs are abundant at inflammatory sites and degrade microbial virulence factors.
Conclusions:
- NETs represent a crucial innate immune mechanism for combating microbial infections.
- NET formation is a regulated process distinct from apoptosis and necrosis.
- Dysregulation of NETs may contribute to autoimmune diseases and other pathologies.
