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NETosis and the Immune System in COVID-19: Mechanisms and Potential Treatments

Constant Gillot1, Julien Favresse1,2, François Mullier3

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, University of Namur, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, Namur Thrombosis and Hemostasis Center, Namur, Belgium.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|August 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

NETosis, a neutrophil defense mechanism, releases extracellular traps (NETs) that worsen COVID-19 by causing inflammation and clotting. Targeting NETosis and cytokine storms may treat severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pathology
  • Virology

Background:

  • NETosis is a neutrophil cell death process releasing antimicrobial components.
  • Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a dual role in host defense and pathology.
  • NETosis has been implicated in various inflammatory conditions, including COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of NETosis in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
  • To investigate the link between NETosis, cytokine storm, and multiorgan failure in severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.
  • To identify NETosis and cytokine storm as potential therapeutic targets for severe COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on NETosis and COVID-19.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms by which NETs contribute to COVID-19 pathology.
  • Correlation of NETosis with pro-inflammatory and procoagulant states.

Main Results:

  • NETosis contributes to COVID-19 pathogenesis by promoting inflammation and coagulation.
  • NETs exacerbate disease severity, leading to multiorgan failure.
  • NETosis is closely associated with the cytokine storm observed in severe COVID-19.

Conclusions:

  • NETosis is a significant factor in the severe manifestations of COVID-19.
  • Targeting NETosis pathways offers a potential therapeutic strategy for severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.
  • Inhibition of NETosis and associated cytokine storm could mitigate COVID-19 severity and complications.
Keywords:
COVID-19NETosisSARS-CoV-2inflammationtherapeutics

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