title: Neutrophil extracellular traps: casting the NET over pathogenesis.
abstract: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are considered to be part of the human innate immunity because they trap and kill pathogens. NETs are formed by activated neutrophils and consist of a DNA backbone with embedded antimicrobial peptides and enzymes. They are involved in host defense during pneumococcal pneumonia, streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis, appendicitis and insemination. Recently, bacterial virulence factors that counteract NETs have been identified. These include the degradation of the NET-backbone by DNases enabling the liberation of bacteria from NETs, as well as capsule formation, which reduces bacterial trapping. Furthermore, pathogens can resist NET-mediated killing by adding positive charge to their cell surface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bacteriology, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control Nobelsväg 18, SE-171 82 Solna, Solna, Sweden.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wartha
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Beiter
authors.forename: Staffan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Normark
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Henriques-Normark
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology*; D014774:Virulence; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D037521:Virulence Factors