Regulation of human neutrophil extracellular traps (NETS)

White blood cells called neutrophils play a key role in protecting the body against invading organisms. The way in which neutrophils die is important as they contain toxic agents which would damage tissue if released in an uncontrolled manner which can contribute to the tissue damage associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. A new way by which neutrophils can kill invading organisms whilst dying, called ‘netosis’, has been discovered. We aim to understand if this new method of neutrophil cell death is harmful or beneficial in inflammation and, thereafter, if it may be manipulated by drugs as a therapy in disease.