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Semin Thromb Hemost 2020; 46(06): 724-734
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715474
Review Article

Netting Liver Disease: Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Initiation and Exacerbation of Liver Pathology

Autor*innen

  • Fien A. von Meijenfeldt

    1   Surgical Research Laboratory and Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

  • Craig N. Jenne

    2   Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract

The liver plays a vital role in the immune system. Its unique position in the portal circulation and the architecture of the hepatic sinusoids, in combination with the wide-ranged population of immunocompetent cells, make the liver function as an immune filter. To aid in pathogen clearance, once challenged, the liver initiates the rapid recruitment of a wide variety of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils. These neutrophils, in conjunction with platelets, facilitate the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are web-like structures of decondensed nuclear DNA, histones, and neutrophil proteins. NETs function as both a physical and a chemical barrier, binding and killing pathogens circulating in the blood stream. In addition to their antimicrobial role, NETs also bind platelets, activate coagulation, and exacerbate host inflammatory response. This interplay between inflammation and coagulation drives microvascular occlusion, ischemia, and (sterile) damage in liver disease. Although direct clinical evidence of this interplay is scarce, preliminary studies indicate that NETs contribute to progression of liver disease and (thrombotic) complications. Here, we provide an overview of the pathological mechanisms of NETs in liver disease. In addition, we summarize clinical evidence for NETs in different disease etiologies and complications of liver disease and discuss the possible implications for the use of NETs as a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target in liver disease.

Keywords

liver disease - coagulation - neutrophil extracellular traps - liver immunity


Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
09. September 2020

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