Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Viral Infections

Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells in the human body. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have recently garnered significant attention as a novel, non-traditional mechanism for combating pathogenic microorganisms. Recent studies have shown that NETs play a crucial role in antiviral immunity, providing new perspectives on how neutrophils defend against viral invasion. Viruses not only induce NET formation through various mechanisms but have also developed multiple escape strategies targeting NETs. It is worth noting that NETs are a double-edged sword for the host: while they possess antiviral effects that inhibit viral spread and replication, their constituent components may also exacerbate tissue damage and play important pathological roles in the progression of certain viral infections. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and dynamic balance of NETs in viral infections is of critical importance. Additionally, since the components of NETs may vary depending on the stimulus, NET-related markers have the potential to serve as biomarkers for the severity and prognosis of viral diseases. This article provides a systematic review of the induction mechanisms, antiviral effects, viral escape strategies, and virus-induced NET-related immunopathological damage in viral infections, offering new insights for antiviral immunotherapy.