Neutrophil extracellular traps have active DNAzymes that promote bactericidal activity

The mechanisms of bacterial killing by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are unclear. DNA, the largest component of NETs was believed to merely be a scaffold with antimicrobial activity only through the charge of the backbone. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that NETs DNA is beyond a mere scaffold to trap bacteria and it produces hydroxyl free radicals through the spatially concentrated G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme complexes, driving bactericidal effects. Immunofluorescence staining showed potential colocalization of G-quadruplex and hemin in extruded NETs DNA, and Amplex UltraRed assay portrayed its peroxidase activity. Proximity labeling of bacteria revealed localized concentration of radicals resulting from NETs bacterial trapping. Ex vivo bactericidal assays revealed that G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme is the primary driver of bactericidal activity in NETs. NETs are DNAzymes that may have important biological consequences.