Unraveling neutrophil extracellular traps: A new frontier in kidney disease therapy

Kidney disease, a formidable global public health challenge, critically demands the discovery of novel biomarkers and development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Although the clinical diagnosis and treatment system is improving, there are still big challenges in controlling disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), as a new pattern of neutrophil function, have gained attention in kidney disease research. Studies have shown that NETs, composed of chromatin fibers and antimicrobial proteins, contribute to kidney disease progression by mediating inflammatory responses and promoting thrombosis, and their potential as a therapeutic target is becoming more evident. Here, we comprehensively analyze the molecular regulatory mechanisms of NETs and their involvement in different kidney diseases, highlighting their significance as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.