Extracellular traps and the role in thrombosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Thrombotic complications represent a significant global health burden.
• The discovery of extracellular traps (ETs) has reshaped the understanding of thrombosis pathophysiology.
• ETs, derived from decondensed chromatin of immune cells, act as scaffolds promoting platelet activation and coagulation, thus driving thrombus formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on the presence and role of extracellular traps (ETs) in various thrombotic conditions.
• To summarize findings from human and animal studies investigating ETs in venous and arterial thrombi.
• To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting ETs for thrombosis prevention and resolution.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies examining extracellular traps (ETs) in thrombi.
• Analysis of evidence from both human clinical cases and animal models of thrombosis.
• Identification and discussion of emerging therapeutic targets related to ETs.

Main Results:

• Extracellular traps (ETs) have been confirmed to exist within both venous and arterial thrombi in various thrombotic conditions.
• Evidence demonstrates the prothrombotic role of ETs through scaffolding and activation of platelets and coagulation factors.
• The presence of ETs is associated with diverse thrombotic events, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and aortic aneurysms.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular traps (ETs) are integral components of thrombi across a spectrum of thrombotic diseases.
• Understanding the prothrombotic mechanisms of ETs provides a foundation for novel therapeutic interventions.
• Targeting extracellular traps (ETs) presents a promising avenue for developing new treatments to prevent and resolve thrombosis.