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ETosis: A Microbicidal Mechanism beyond Cell Death
Anderson B Guimarães-Costa1, Michelle T C Nascimento, Amanda B Wardini
1Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-901 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Journal of Parasitology Research
|April 27, 2012
Summary
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a form of cell death, release DNA webs to trap microbes. This process, now called ETosis, also involves other cells and is reviewed for its role in various infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA lattices released by neutrophils.
- NETs ensnare and kill microorganisms, a process termed NETosis.
- Other immune cells can also release extracellular traps (ETs), leading to the broader term ETosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanism of NETosis and ETosis.
- To emphasize the role of ETosis in host defense against pathogens.
- To discuss the involvement of ETosis in diseases caused by protozoa, fungi, and viruses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on NETosis and ETosis.
- Analysis of mechanisms of extracellular trap formation.
- Examination of the role of ETosis in infectious diseases.
Main Results:
- NETosis involves the release of DNA, histones, and proteins from neutrophils.
- ETosis is a conserved mechanism across different cell types, including eosinophils, mast cells, and macrophages.
- ETosis plays a significant role in combating infections caused by protozoan parasites, fungi, and viruses.
Conclusions:
- ETosis is a crucial innate immune mechanism for pathogen clearance.
- Dysregulation of ETosis may contribute to various infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Further research into ETosis mechanisms can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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