Fig. 1.

Mechanisms of defense against bacteria and fungi and strategies of evasion of NET entrapment. NETs can be induced by both Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria (a). Evasion of the antimicrobial activity of NETs may include the use of nucleases that attack the DNA backbone of the NETs' lattice structure (a) or elements of molecular mimicry that stimulate the production of the potent immune-modulating cytokines (b). NE neutrophil elastase, PMN polymorphonuclear neutrophil, MPO myeloperoxidase, LL37 cathelicidin, CG cathepsin G, IL10 interleukin 10, TGFβ transforming growth factor beta