Macrophage Clearance of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs)

Abstract Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are formed from dying neutrophils expelling their contents to capture pathogens and limit the spread of infection. While they are beneficial during infection, overproduction of NETs or the inability to degrade them can be pathogenic. Different inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases have been shown to be associated with an increase in NET production. Therefore, it is important to understand the method in which NETs are removed or broken down. Cayman Chemical has developed an imaging-based assay to sensitively assay NET uptake by phagocytic cells. Imaging was found to be an ideal method to monitor NET clearance in vitro, in part due to the ability to monitor the uptake of NETs kinetically. Both primary monocyte-derived macrophages and differentiated THP-1 cells, which are frequently used as phagocytic cell models, were shown to take up NETs. Putative modulators of NET uptake were tested in the assay. We aimed to develop a method in which the process of NET uptake can be monitored and quantified. Modulators of NET uptake can be tested in this assay, allowing for further studies toward treating autoimmune disorders that are driven by aberrant NETs.