Extracellular Trap by Blood Cells: Clinical Implications

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Extracellular trap formation (ETosis) is a defense mechanism employed by various blood cells.
• These traps, composed of DNA, histones, and granular proteins, capture microorganisms and can trigger innate immune responses.
• ETosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several clinical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the formation of extracellular traps by different blood cells.
• To elucidate the immune responses associated with ETosis.
• To explore the role of ETosis in various clinical conditions.

Main Methods:

• An extensive literature survey of ETosis by blood cells from 2003 to 2019 was conducted.
• The review focuses on trap formation by neutrophils, macrophages, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and monocytes.
• Mechanisms of trap release, elicited immune responses, and involvement in pathogenic conditions were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Extracellular trap formation by various blood cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, was clarified.
• The mechanism of ETosis, its role in microbial invasion, and its involvement in pathogenic situations were described.
• The review provides clarity on the stimuli, effects, and disease relevance of ETosis.

Conclusions:

• While ETosis has beneficial outcomes, it can also lead to pathogenic situations such as thrombosis, tumor metastasis, and sepsis.
• Current understanding of ETosis is limited.
• Further research into ETosis holds significant therapeutic potential for diagnosis, therapy guidance, and prognostication in various diseases, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and tumors.