NETs catch platelets and induce clots, linking inflammation with thrombosis
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 09:42
in Health & Medicine
(PhysOrg.com) -- Neutrophils are the innate immune system's 'first responders,' fighting infection in several distinct ways. These white blood cells can engulf foreign particles via phagocytosis, or they may release antimicrobial compounds, including granular proteins. Neutrophils are also known to sacrifice themselves, extruding their nuclear contents as a sticky antimicrobial web called a neutrophil extracellular trap, or NET.