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Macrophage Extracellular Traps: A Scoping Review
Ryan S Doster1, Lisa M Rogers, Jennifer A Gaddy
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Tissue macrophages are derived from either circulating blood monocytes that originate in the bone marrow, or embryonic precursors that establish residence in tissues and are maintained independent of bone marrow progenitors. Macrophages perform diverse functions including tissue repair, the maintenance of homeostasis, and immune regulation. Recent studies have demonstrated that macrophages produce extracellular traps (ETs). ETs are an immune response by which a cell undergoes "ETosis" to release net-like material, with strands composed of cellular DNA that is studded with histones and cellular proteins. ETs are thought to immobilize and kill microorganisms, but also been implicated in disease pathology including aseptic inflammation and autoimmune disease. We conducted a scoping review to define what is known from the existing literature about the ETs produced by monocytes or macrophages. The results suggest that macrophage ETs (METs) are produced in response to various microorganisms and have similar features to neutrophil ETs (NETs), in that METs are produced by a unique cell death program (METosis), which results in release of fibers composed of DNA and studded with cellular proteins. METs function to immobilize and kill some microorganisms, but may also play a role in disease pathology.
Insights
Tissue macrophages produce extracellular traps (ETs) through a cell death process called METosis. These macrophage ETs (METs) immobilize and kill microbes but may also contribute to disease pathology.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tissue macrophages, originating from monocytes or embryonic precursors, are crucial for tissue repair, homeostasis, and immune regulation.
- Recent research indicates macrophages can produce extracellular traps (ETs), a web-like structure of DNA, histones, and proteins.
- Extracellular traps are implicated in microbial defense and various disease pathologies, including inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of existing literature on extracellular traps (ETs) produced by monocytes and macrophages.
- To define the current understanding of macrophage-derived ETs (METs) and their characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review of published literature was performed.
- Studies focusing on ETs produced by monocytes or macrophages were identified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Macrophage ETs (METs) are produced in response to diverse microorganisms.
- METs share similarities with neutrophil ETs (NETs), being released via a cell death process termed METosis.
- The released METs consist of DNA fibers decorated with cellular proteins, functioning to immobilize and kill microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage ETs (METs) represent a significant immune mechanism with potential dual roles in host defense and disease.
- Further research into METosis and METs is warranted to fully elucidate their contribution to health and disease pathology.
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