NET-targeted therapy: effects, limitations, and potential strategies to enhance treatment efficacy

Author(s)

Bonilha, Caio Santos ; Veras, Flavio Protasio ; Cunha, Fernando de Queiroz

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES; v. 44, n. 9, p. 13-pg., 2023-09-01.

Abstract

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are complex structures released by activated neutrophils during inflammatory responses. Due to their unique potential for causing tissue damage and modulating immune responses, there is increasing interest in studying these structures as potential targets for the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. However, therapeutic targeting of NETs might trigger deleterious effects that may limit treatment efficacy. NET disruption may increase the microbial load in infection; in autoimmunity, NET targeting might impair peripheral tolerance, but it might reduce adaptive immune responses in cancer. In this review, we explore the therapeutic and deleterious effects of NET-targeted therapy while shedding light on novel strategies to over-come treatment-related limitations and enhance treatment efficacy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08216-2 - CRID - Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases
• Grantee: Fernando de Queiroz Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 21/09539-6 - Neutrophil Extracelular Traps (NETs): role in the pathophysiology and potential as a therapeutic target on COVID--19
• Grantee: Caio Santos Bonilha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/05601-6 - Neutrophil extracelular traps (NETs): role in the pathophysiology and potential as a therapeutic target on COVID-19
• Grantee: Fernando de Queiroz Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants