Figure 1.

Scheme showing the formation of suicidal and vital NETs. Suicidal NETs: Occurs 3–8 h after cell activation and ends with the death of neutrophils. It starts with chromosomal decondensation and nuclear membrane disintegration, followed by decondensation and release of mitochondrial DNA to the cytosol. Finally, the cytoplasmic membrane disintegrates, releasing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, as well as granular content into the extracellular environment. Vital NETs: Occurs 50–60 min after cell activation maintaining neutrophil viability and phagocytosis. Two forms of exteriorization of mitochondrial DNA are proposed: a-Initial release into the cytosol and thereafter into vesicles that merge with the plasma membrane, exteriorizing their content; and b-fusion of the mitochondrial and plasma membrane, producing the direct release of the content of DNA into the extracellular environment. However, the latter has not yet been fully proven. Various stimuli for the formation of suicidal and vital NETs have already been described, the most commonly seen in the figure. Some variations related to stimuli and composition can occur with ETs produced by other types of cells.