About this Research Topic
The production and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) constitute one of the most spectacular defense mechanisms of innate immunity. Once stimulated, neutrophils initiate a sequence of events that culminates in the release, into the extracellular milieu, of a structure composed of a DNA scaffold decorated with proteins released from neutrophilic granules. Such structures play multiple roles in combating undesirable microorganisms: they immobilize, neutralize, and kill these organisms. The extent of each of these functions depends on factors such as the nature of the microorganism and its strategies for escaping NETs, the exposure time to NETs, and the nature of the host from which the neutrophil originated.
The cost to the NET-producing neutrophil can be high: in many cases, neutrophils release NETs in a suicidal mechanism, as an "all or nothing" strategy for infection control. Nevertheless, the production of NETs can have an undesired effect on the organism, causing damage to the endothelium and triggering a range of autoimmune, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases, making the balance between the benefits and drawbacks of NETs an issue the requires further attention.
Although the release of NETs is a conserved mechanism across different species — neutrophils, as well as heterophils in chickens and hemocytes in cockroaches, moths, or oysters, akin to mammalian neutrophils, have been observed releasing NETs — the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved vary considerably.
Despite many advances having been achieved in understanding the mechanisms involved in NETs production and their consequences in the aforementioned diseases, little is known about the implications of traps (and the involved mechanisms) in infections by protozoa and helminths.
The goal of this Research Topic is to advance our understanding in this subject. A list of suggested subjects for contributions is indicated below, although other subjects related to the Research Topic are also welcome:
• Mechanisms of NETs formation induced by parasites;
• Composition of NETs triggered by protozoa and helminths;
• Strategies used by parasites to escape NETs;
• Role of NETs in controlling host infection by parasites;
• Role of NETs in the prevention or exacerbation of diseases caused by parasites;
• Therapeutic strategies for controlling infection caused by protozoa and helminths, or addressing related tissue damage in the context of NET release.
The Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
The cost to the NET-producing neutrophil can be high: in many cases, neutrophils release NETs in a suicidal mechanism, as an "all or nothing" strategy for infection control. Nevertheless, the production of NETs can have an undesired effect on the organism, causing damage to the endothelium and triggering a range of autoimmune, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases, making the balance between the benefits and drawbacks of NETs an issue the requires further attention.
Although the release of NETs is a conserved mechanism across different species — neutrophils, as well as heterophils in chickens and hemocytes in cockroaches, moths, or oysters, akin to mammalian neutrophils, have been observed releasing NETs — the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved vary considerably.
Despite many advances having been achieved in understanding the mechanisms involved in NETs production and their consequences in the aforementioned diseases, little is known about the implications of traps (and the involved mechanisms) in infections by protozoa and helminths.
The goal of this Research Topic is to advance our understanding in this subject. A list of suggested subjects for contributions is indicated below, although other subjects related to the Research Topic are also welcome:
• Mechanisms of NETs formation induced by parasites;
• Composition of NETs triggered by protozoa and helminths;
• Strategies used by parasites to escape NETs;
• Role of NETs in controlling host infection by parasites;
• Role of NETs in the prevention or exacerbation of diseases caused by parasites;
• Therapeutic strategies for controlling infection caused by protozoa and helminths, or addressing related tissue damage in the context of NET release.
The Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords: Neutrophil Extracellular Traps; NETs; Helminths; Protozoan Parasites; Parasite
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