Macrophage Extracellular Traps: A Scoping Review

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.