The Citrullination-Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Axis in Chronic Diseases.

ABSTRACT: Citrullination of proteins is crucial for the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) - strands of nuclear DNA expulsed in the extracellular environment along with antimicrobial proteins in order to halt the spread of pathogens. Paradoxically, NETs may be immunogenic and contribute to inflammation. It is known that for the externalization of DNA, a group of enzymes called peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs) is required. Current research often looks at citrullination, NET formation, PAD overexpression, and extracellular DNA (ecDNA) accumulation in chronic diseases as separate events. In contrast, we propose that citrullination can be viewed as the primary mechanism of autoimmunity, for instance by the formation of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) but also as a proces

SUBMITTER: Maronek M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9485962 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature