Neutrophil extracellular traps in COVID-19

In severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), viral pneumonia progresses to respiratory failure. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular webs of chromatin, microbicidal proteins, and oxidant enzymes that are released by neutrophils to contain infections. However, when not properly regulated, NETs have the potential to propagate inflammation and microvascular thrombosis - including in the lungs of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We now report that sera from patients with COVID-19 have elevated levels of cell-free DNA, myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (Cit-H3); the latter 2 are specific markers of NETs. Highlighting the potential clinical…

• RR
  Rheumatology Research Foundation
• UO
  University of Michigan

  Award: 48109
• AA
  A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute

  Award: COVID-19 Pilot Grant
• DR
  Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust
• LR
  Lupus Research Alliance
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: COVID-19, K08HL131993
• CO
  College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan