Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET), consequence of a cellular suicide

Recently it was discovered that neutrophils can generate extracellular fibers called NET (neutrophil extracellular traps), which are composed of a skeleton of DNA "decorated" with many cytoplasmic -including enzymes- and nuclear components. The NET are a physical barrier that prevent the spread of microorganisms and facilitate the cell death by promoting a high local concentration of antimicrobial molecules. On the other hand, the fibrous structure limits the damage to the tissue where they are generated by restricting the range of molecules that are released by the neutrophil. This paper describes this new form of cell death and the implications this may have on different diseases.