Fig. 8.

Schematic overview of the plausible mode of action of tACPA. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that tACPA exerts its NET-inhibitory capacity in one of the following ways. tACPA is internalized, either via a active or b passive transport, and binds to its target, thereby blocking further chromatin expansion. c NETs protrude through small holes in the porous plasma membrane, where tACPA binds and prevents final NET expulsion. d A pristane-induced peritoneal cell influx mouse model combined with tACPA treatment shows that tACPA binding to NETs might be the first step in enhanced macrophage-induced NET clearance and subsequent protection against continuous inflammation and tissue damage