Research progress on the association between neutrophil extracellular traps and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are fibrous web-like structures composed of decondensed chromatin and granular proteins released by neutrophils, with the ability to capture and kill bacteria. Pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can trigger the formation of NETs via NETosis, a type of programmed cell death that has two distinct forms: suicidal NETosis and vital NETosis. Numerous studies have found that NETs interact with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, where they activate macrophages, promote immunosuppressive effects of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and coat the tumor surface to prevent cytotoxic effects of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells. Recent research has identified a substantial presence of NETs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues, indicating a complex relationship between NETs and OSCC development. Depending on the phenotype of neutrophils, NETs may exhibit pro-tumor or anti-tumor effects. For instance, NETs derived from N1-type neutrophils may exert anti-tumo