Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and the Effects in Related Diseases

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular web-like structures released by activated neutrophils, which have a dual effect on the organisms. On one hand, NETs could trap pathogens leading to their clearance; on the other hand, NETs show strong cytotoxicities to human body and are closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases.With the comprehensive studies on the metabolism mechanisms and various influencing factors of NETs in recent years, NETs are suggested to be potential therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Key words: Neutrophil extracellular traps; Cytotoxicity; Disease pathogenesis; Peptidylarginine deiminase