An emerging role for neutrophil extracellular traps in noninfectious disease

Kubes and Fassl discuss the role of NETosis in sterile inflammation and disease, and propose windows of opportunity for therapeutic targeting of NETs. The production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a process that enables neutrophils to help catch and kill bacteria. However, increasing evidence suggests that this process might also occur in noninfectious, sterile inflammation. In this Review, we describe the role of NETosis in autoimmunity, coagulation, acute injuries and cancer, and discuss NETs as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we consider whether extracellular DNA is always detrimental in sterile inflammation and whether the source is always NETs.