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In Vitro Stimulation and Visualization of Extracellular Trap Release in Differentiated Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages
Published on: November 1, 2019
Extracellular Traps in Inflammation: Pathways and Therapeutic Targets
Stelvio Tonello1,2, Nicole Vercellino1, Davide D'Onghia1
1Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
Immune cells release extracellular traps (ETs) to fight microbes. However, excessive ETs can harm the host, contributing to diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages release extracellular traps (ETs), web-like DNA structures crucial for trapping microbes.
- These ETs contain enzymes that help clear pathogens but can also contribute to disease when overproduced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of extracellular trap (ET) release.
- To discuss the dual role of ETs in both health and disease.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting ETs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on extracellular trap (ET) formation and function.
- Analysis of the involvement of ETs in various physiological and pathological conditions.
- Evaluation of therapeutic approaches to modulate ET activity.
Main Results:
- Extracellular traps (ETs) are released by various immune cells as a defense mechanism against pathogens.
- Dysregulated ET production is implicated in chronic inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
- Targeting ETs may offer novel therapeutic avenues for managing these conditions.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular traps (ETs) play a complex, double-edged role in host defense and pathology.
- Understanding ET formation and function is critical for developing new treatments for ET-associated diseases.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling ETs show promise for various human diseases.
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