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Morphological and Compositional Analysis of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induced by Microbial and Chemical Stimuli
Published on: November 4, 2022
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Nicotine induces neutrophil extracellular traps
Ava Hosseinzadeh1,2,3, Paul R Thompson4, Brahm H Segal5,6,7
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|June 18, 2016
Summary
Nicotine triggers neutrophils to release Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in a dose-dependent way. This process involves specific receptors and enzymes, potentially contributing to smoking-related inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are crucial for pathogen defense but can cause tissue damage and inflammation.
- Nicotine, a primary toxicant in tobacco and e-cigarettes, is linked to worsening inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nicotine in initiating NET formation.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine-induced NETosis.
Main Methods:
- Dose-dependent assessment of nicotine's effect on neutrophil NET release.
- Pharmacological inhibition and genetic deficiency (Nox2-deficient neutrophils) to explore signaling pathways.
- Analysis of involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, Akt, PAD4, and Nox2.
Main Results:
- Nicotine induces NET formation in neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner.
- Nicotine-induced NETosis is mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
- The process depends on Akt and PAD4 activation.
- Nicotine-induced NET formation is independent of Nox2 activity.
Conclusions:
- Nicotine directly stimulates neutrophils to release NETs.
- The findings highlight a novel mechanism linking nicotine exposure to NET formation.
- This pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of smoking-related inflammatory diseases.
