Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps, or NETs, are heterogenous, filamentous structures
which consist of extracellular DNA, granular proteins, and histones. NETs are extruded
by a neutrophil in response to various stimuli. Although NETs were initially implicated
in immune defense, subsequent studies have implicated NETs in a spectrum of disease
processes, including autoimmune disease, thrombosis, and cancer. NETs also contribute
to the pathogenesis of several common liver diseases, including alcohol-associated
liver disease and portal hypertension. Although there is much interest in the therapeutic
potential of NET inhibition, future clinical applications must be balanced against
potential increased risk of infection.
Keywords
portal hypertension - cirrhosis - neutrophil
