Immunothrombosis and the Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in the Pathogenesis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract

APS represents an elusive disease whose pathogenesis have remained unknown despite countless researches that have pursued the matter. Knowing the pathogenesis will not only satisfy our knowledge but will also help perfect controlling of symptoms and eventually its treatment. A variety of immunological cells have been implicated in the process of immunothrombosis. Neutrophils have been proven to be an active player with them releasing Tissue factor, neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase and most importantly to our research NETs. NETs are Nets like structures formed of modified neutrophil DNA and histones that are released due to an active process called Netosis. NETs are procoagulant structures that result in activation of coagulation factors and platelets recruitment to the site of release.