articleNature CommunicationsMar 26, 2015GOLD OA

Molecular mechanisms of NET formation and degradation revealed by intravital imaging in the liver vasculature

Jagiellonian University · University of Calgary · +3 more institutions

PubMed
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Abstract

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) composed of DNA decorated with histones and proteases trap and kill bacteria but also injure host tissue. Here we show that during a bloodstream infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the majority of bacteria are sequestered immediately by hepatic Kupffer cells, resulting in transient increases in liver enzymes, focal ischaemic areas and a robust neutrophil infiltration into the liver. The neutrophils release NETs into the liver vasculature, which remain anchored to the vascular wall via von Willebrand factor and reveal significant neutrophil elastase (NE) proteolytic activity. Importantly, DNase although very effective at DNA removal, and somewhat…

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Authors

9

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Neutrophil extracellular traps
  • Neutrophil elastase
  • Proteases
  • Elastase
  • Histone
  • Proteolytic enzymes
  • Proteolysis
  • Inflammation
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