NETosis and the Immune System in COVID-19: Mechanisms and Potential Treatments

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

NETosis is a form of neutrophil death leading to the release of extracellular chromatin and the assembling of proteins, including antiviral proteins, primed by an initial pathogenic stimulus. Under certain specific conditions, neutrophils can exhibit a double-edged activity. This event has been implicated in COVID-19 among other conditions. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 by promoting a pro-inflammatory and a procoagulant state leading to multiorgan failure. This particular form of host defense promoted by neutrophils is closely related to the well-known cytokine storm observed in severe COVID-19 patients. These two elements therefore represent possible targets for treatment of severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Original languageEnglish
Article number708302
Pages (from-to)708302
JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • inflammation
  • NETosis
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • therapeutics

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