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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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Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Go Viral
Günther Schönrich1, Martin J Raftery1
1Institute of Medical Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin , Germany.
Frontiers in Immunology
|October 5, 2016
Summary
Neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to fight microbes. This review explores how viruses induce NETs, impacting antiviral immunity and causing damage, and how viruses evade NETs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Neutrophils are key innate immune cells, primarily known for combating bacterial and fungal infections.
- The role of neutrophils and their antimicrobial mechanisms, like neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in viral infections is an emerging area of research.
- NETosis, the process of NET formation, was initially considered a form of cell death but can occur independently of it.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on NET production during viral infections.
- It examines the dual role of NETs in controlling viral spread and potentially causing immunopathology.
- The review also discusses viral strategies to evade NET-mediated immunity.
Key Points:
- Viruses can induce the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
- NETs can contribute to antiviral defense but may also lead to tissue damage.
- Understanding NETs in viral infections is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a complex role in viral infections, influencing both host defense and disease pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of NET induction by viruses and their implications.
- Targeting NET formation or function could offer novel therapeutic avenues for viral diseases.
