Description
Neutrophils are essential first responders in the immune system. They also play a significant role in various diseases through different mechanisms, including forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are web-like structures that respond to inflammation and could be targeted for therapy. The lack of an objective method (based on fact, not influenced by researcher interpretation) to quantify NET formation has delayed efforts to target NETs for therapeutic purposes. In this study, the researchers described an automated method to quantify NETs using a live cell analysis system along with two dyes with different membrane permeability properties.
What is exciting about this article?
This method provides efficient, reproducible, and accurate NET quantification in an automated manner. It will be helpful in neutrophil-targeted drug development by offering real-time, high-throughput screening of multiple therapeutic targets against NET formation.
Grant support
1ZIAAR041199
Research Areas:
Research reported in this publication was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIHʼs National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.