Figure 1.

NETs in atherosclerosis. (Left): cross section of an atherosclerotic vessel; (Middle): pathogens associated with the induction of NETs formation; (Right): Close up atherosclerotic lesion; Neutrophils activated e.g., by bacterial and viral pathogens may undergo NETs formation thereby activating leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells creating a pro-inflammatory milieu triggering lesion growth. Lesional NETs may be induced by pathogens or CCL7 and initiate a IL-1beta release or a Th17 response altogether driving lesion expansion. (made with biorender.com, 4 June 2001).