NETQUANT2: automated web-based quantification of neutrophil extracellular traps from fluorescence microscopy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are crucial in immunity against pathogens and in autoimmune diseases.
• Quantifying NETs is vital but challenging, with manual counting in microscopy images being common but biased and time-consuming.
• Existing automated tools like NETQUANT face adoption barriers due to software dependencies and setup difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an accessible, web-based tool for automated quantification of NETs.
• To improve upon the original NETQUANT software by enhancing usability and features.
• To promote reproducibility and broader adoption of NET quantification in research.

Main Methods:

• Development of NETQUANT2 as a web-based application, building on NETQUANT principles.
• Implementation of automated image analysis with user-guided interactive configuration.
• Features for sharing configurations and results, and handling complex sample data.

Main Results:

• NETQUANT2 provides fast, simple, and unbiased quantification of NETs from microscopy images.
• The web-based platform enhances accessibility and ease of use compared to previous versions.
• Improved configuration options and data sharing facilitate complex analyses and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• NETQUANT2 significantly enhances the accessibility and reproducibility of NET research.
• The user-friendly, web-based approach encourages wider adoption of automated NET quantification.
• This tool supports high-quality analysis for a broader range of researchers in immunology and cell biology.