Role of neutrophil extracellular traps in sepsis-related acute lung injury

doi:10.16352/j.issn.1001-6325.2026.04.0597

Abstract

Abstract: Sepsis is a clinical syndrome caused by inflammatory responses after infection. Neutrophils are a type of innate immune cell and are pioneers in reaching the site of infection and inflammation to clear the infection and eliminate the inflammatory response. Neutrophils can capture pathogenic microorganisms by releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and participate in inflammatory responses and bacterial killing and clearance. However, their excessive activation can lead to an inflammatory storm in the body, which in turn damages tissues and causes organ dysfunction. A moderate release of NETs can clear the pathogens in sepsis-induced lung injury, but excessive generation leads to irreversible tissue damage. Currently, small molecule inhibitors such as GSK199, sivelestat and DNase Ⅰ have been applied in basic experimental research to control the release of NETs in the body.

Key words: neutrophil extracellular traps, sepsis-related acute lung injury, inflammation, treatment strategy

CLC Number:

YUAN Ce, YE Cuicui, GUO Chang′an, LUO Laisheng, LIU Yuezhen. Role of neutrophil extracellular traps in sepsis-related acute lung injury[J]. Basic & Clinical Medicine, 2026, 46(4): 597-601.

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