Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
In Vitro Stimulation and Visualization of Extracellular Trap Release in Differentiated Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages
Published on: November 1, 2019
Macrophage Extracellular Traps: Current Opinions and the State of Research regarding Various Diseases
Weizhen Weng1, Zuoyu Hu1, Yunfeng Pan1
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
Abstract:
Macrophages are an important component of the human immune system and play a key role in the immune response, which can protect the body against infection and regulate the development of tissue inflammation. Some studies found that macrophages can produce extracellular traps (ETs) under various conditions of stimulation. ETs are web-like structures that consist of proteins and DNA. ETs are thought to immobilize and kill microorganisms, as well as play an important role in tissue damage, inflammatory progression, and autoimmune diseases. In this review, the structure, identification, mechanism, and research progress of macrophage extracellular traps (METs) in related diseases are reviewed.
Insights
Macrophages can create extracellular traps (ETs), web-like DNA and protein structures, to immobilize microbes. This review covers macrophage extracellular traps (METs) and their role in disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in host defense and inflammation regulation.
- Macrophages can release extracellular traps (ETs), composed of DNA and proteins, upon stimulation.
- These structures are implicated in microbial clearance, tissue damage, and autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure, identification, and mechanisms of macrophage extracellular traps (METs).
- To summarize the current research progress on METs in various disease contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on macrophage extracellular traps.
- Analysis of existing research on MET formation, function, and disease association.
Main Results:
- Macrophage extracellular traps (METs) are complex structures with diverse roles.
- Evidence suggests METs contribute to both protective immunity and pathological processes.
- Research highlights the involvement of METs in inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage extracellular traps (METs) represent a significant area of immunological research.
- Understanding METs offers potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses