What is it about?
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released by exhausted neutrophils have the capacity to kill many microorganisms. Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces the release of NETs both in vitro and in vivo but NETs are unable to kill the bacterium. This inability of NETs to kill M. tuberculosis contributes to the pathology of the disease (tuberculosis).
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Why is it important?
The research is important because it helps us to understand why tuberculosis is so difficult to control. Escaping the early defense mechanisms provided by neutrophils, M. tuberculosis find an environment adequate to proliferate, extending the infection.
Perspectives
It will be important, and very informative, knowing what happens with neutrophils at longer infection times in vivo. It will also be important knowing the fate of bacilli released from NETs. Are they taken up by macrophages or dendritic cells?
Dr Oscar Rojas-Espinosa
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: In vivo induction of neutrophil extracellular traps by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a guinea pig model, Innate Immunity, September 2017, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1753425917732406.
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