Killing by neutrophil extracellular traps: fact or folklore?

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA structures released by dying neutrophils and claimed to constitute a new microbicidal mechanism. Killing by NET-forming cells is ascribed to these structures because it is prevented by preincubation with DNase, which has been shown to dismantle NETs, bef...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Blood 2012-02, Vol.119 (5), p.1214-1216
Main Authors: Menegazzi, Renzo, Decleva, Eva, Dri, Pietro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Candida albicans - immunology
Candidiasis - immunology
Candidiasis - pathology
Cell Death - immunology
Cell Death - physiology
Cellular Structures - immunology
Cellular Structures - metabolism
Cellular Structures - physiology
Cytotoxicity, Immunologic - physiology
Extracellular Space - immunology
Extracellular Space - metabolism
Folklore
Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases
Humans
Medical sciences
Neutrophil Activation - immunology
Neutrophil Activation - physiology
Neutrophils - immunology
Neutrophils - metabolism
Neutrophils - physiology
Neutrophils - ultrastructure
Phagocytosis - physiology
Staphylococcal Infections - immunology
Staphylococcal Infections - pathology
Staphylococcus aureus - immunology
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Summary:Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA structures released by dying neutrophils and claimed to constitute a new microbicidal mechanism. Killing by NET-forming cells is ascribed to these structures because it is prevented by preincubation with DNase, which has been shown to dismantle NETs, before addition of the target microorganisms. Curiously, the possibility that the microorganisms ensnared in NETs are alive has not been considered. Using Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans blastospores, we demonstrate that the microorganisms captured by NETs and thought to be killed are alive because they are released and recovered in cell medium by incubation with DNase. It is concluded that NETs entrap but do not kill microbes.
ISSN:0006-4971
1528-0020
DOI:10.1182/blood-2011-07-364604