# Targeting potential drivers of COVID-19: Neutrophil extracellular traps

“Targeting potential drivers of COVID-19: Neutrophil extracellular traps” (2020), by Betsy Jo Barnes et al. Immunology and Microbiology research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. No free PDF was found.

- Authors: Betsy Jo Barnes, José M. Adrover, Amelia Baxter-Stoltzfus, Alain Borczuk, Jonathan Cools‐Lartigue, James M. Crawford, Juliane Daßler‐Plenker, Philippe Guerci, Caroline Huynh, Jason S. Knight et al.
- Published: April 16, 2020
- Field: Immunology and Microbiology
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20200652
- Source: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20200652

## Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel, viral-induced respiratory disease that in ∼10-15% of patients progresses to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) triggered by a cytokine storm. In this Perspective, autopsy results and literature are presented supporting the hypothesis that a little known yet powerful function of neutrophils-the ability to form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)-may contribute to organ damage and mortality in COVID-19. We show lung infiltration of neutrophils in an autopsy specimen from a patient who succumbed to COVID-19. We discuss prior reports linking aberrant NET formation to pulmonary diseases, thrombosis, mucous secretions in the airways, and cytokine production. If our hypothesis is correct, targeting NETs directly and/or indirectly with existing drugs may reduce the clinical severity of COVID-19.

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