Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: How to Generate and Visualize Them
Published on: February 24, 2010
Neutrophil extracellular traps: a strategic tactic to defeat pathogens with potential consequences for the host
1Infection Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, HZI - Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany. eva.medina@helmholtz-hzi.de
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.
Related Concept Videos
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Colonisation of Pathogens
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Bacterial Toxins
Transduction
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...

