Neutrophil Elastase and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Tumor Microenvironment

Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) play a major role during cancer development and progression in the tumor microenvironment. Neutrophil elastase (NE) is a serine protease normally expressed in neutrophil primary granules. Formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a mechanism used by neutrophils, has been traditionally associated with the capture and killing of bacteria. However, there are recent discoveries suggesting that NE secretion and NETs formation are also involved in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we focus on how NE and NETs play a key regulatory function in the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor proliferation, distant metastasis, tumor-associated thrombosis, and antitumor activity. Additionally, the potential use of NETs, NE, or associated molecules as potential disease activity biomarkers or therapeutic targets will be introduced.