Explosive defense: neutrophils deploy DNA nets to trap invaders
Neutrophils kill pathogens by self-destructing and releasing DNA-coated enzyme nets (NETs) that trap and destroy invaders. This NETosis process has three forms—suicidal, vital, and mitochondrial—and, while a rapid and effective defense, excessive NET formation can drive tissue damage in diseases such as lupus, small vessel vasculitis, sepsis, and severe COVID-19. First characterized in 2004 and now widely confirmed, NETosis is a powerful, double-edged weapon of the innate immune system.