The emerging role of neutrophil extracellular traps in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases

Abstract

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are unique fibrous structures released by neutrophils in response to various pathogens, exhibiting both anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory effects. In autoimmune conditions, NETs serve as crucial self-antigens triggering inflammatory cascades by activating the inflammasome and complement systems, disrupting self-tolerance mechanisms and accelerating autoimmune responses. Furthermore, NETs play a pivotal role in modulating immune cell activation, affecting adaptive immune responses. This review outlines the intricate relationship between NETs and various diseases, including inflammatory arthritis, systemic autoimmune diseases, Behçet's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune kidney diseases, autoimmune skin conditions, systemic sclerosis, systemic vasculitis, and gouty arthritis. It highlights the potential of targeting NETs as a therapeutic strategy in autoimmune diseases. By examining the dynamic balance between NET formation and clearance in autoimmune conditions, this review offers critical insights and a theoretical foundation for future research on NET-related mechanisms. Advances in systems biology, flow cytometry, and single-cell multiomics sequencing have provided valuable tools for exploring the molecular mechanisms of neutrophils and NETs. These advancements have renewed focus on the role of neutrophils and NETs in autoimmune diseases, offering promising avenues for further investigation into their clinical implications.