Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Trap: The Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex causes tuberculosis (TB), a disease that causes pulmonary inflammation but can also affect other tissues. Despite macrophages having a defined role in TB immunopathogenesis, other innate immune cells, such as neutrophils, are involved in this process. These cells have high phagocytic ability and a microbial-killing machine comprised of enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and reactive oxygen species. In the last two decades, a new neutrophil immune response, the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), has been intensely researched. NETs comprise DNA associated with histones, enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides. These structures are related to antimicrobial immune response and some immuno-pathogenesis mechanisms. This mini review highlights the role of NETs in tuberculosis and how they can be helpful as a diagnostic tool and/or therapeutic target.

Automated summary

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex causes tuberculosis, a disease characterized by pulmonary inflammation and potential damage to other tissues. Neutrophils, in addition to macrophages, play a role in the immune response to tuberculosis. Neutrophils possess phagocytic abilities and release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) composed of DNA, enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides, which are involved in antimicrobial defense and immune pathogenesis. This review highlights the importance of NETs in tuberculosis and their potential applications in diagnosis and therapy.