Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are released by neutrophils in response to infection and have also been observed in sterile inflammation. Here, monosodium urate crystals, found in gout, are shown to induce NET formation and aggregation. These aggregated NETs proteolytically degrade cytokines and chemokines and reduce inflammatory responses. NETosis-deficient mice develop chronic inflammatory disease that can be attenuated after the transfer of aggregated NETs, suggesting that the formation of aggregated NETs may serve to limit inflammation.
- Christine Schauer
- Christina Janko
- Martin Herrmann