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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
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In Vitro Stimulation and Visualization of Extracellular Trap Release in Differentiated Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages
Published on: November 1, 2019
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Extracellular Traps: An Ancient Weapon of Multiple Kingdoms.
Ariane Neumann1, Graham Brogden2, Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede2,3
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, Baravägen 27, 22184 Lund, Sweden.
Biology
|February 23, 2020
Summary
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) capture and kill pathogens. This review explores the evolutionary history of these ancient defense mechanisms across diverse life forms, from plants to animals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), discovered in 2004, are a key innate immune mechanism.
- NETs trap and kill pathogens, expanding our understanding of immune cell functions.
- Evidence shows extracellular traps are vital defense tools in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolutionary history of extracellular traps.
- To explore the role of extracellular traps as weapons across different kingdoms of life.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on extracellular traps.
- Analysis of evolutionary data on defense mechanisms in various organisms.
Main Results:
- Extracellular traps are ancient structures with a conserved function in defense.
- Similar trapping mechanisms are found in diverse organisms, suggesting convergent evolution.
- Extracellular traps have evolved diverse structures and functions tailored to specific threats.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular traps represent a fundamental defense strategy conserved across life.
- Understanding NET evolution provides insights into innate immunity and inter-kingdom interactions.
- Further research into plant and invertebrate extracellular traps can illuminate novel immune pathways.
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