Scheme of how NETosis works. Neutrophils contain many granules that are filled with bactericidal enzymes. Once the cells are stimulated by the presence of pathogens, these granules release their content to the extracellular space, but also into the nucleus. Inside the nucleus, MPO and other factors lead to decondensation of chromatin, i.e. eviction of nucleosomes. The nucleus disintegrates and subsequently, the neutrophil bursts open and releases the decondensed chromatin to the extracellular space. There the NET can entrap the pathogen. As NETs are functionalized with bactericidal enzymes, they can directly kill pathogens they contact.
During #NETosis, neutrophils decondense their #chromatin by disassembling #nucleosomes. Then, their nucleus breaks down and the cells burst open. The decondensed chomatin then forms the NET.
As #NETs are sticky and functionalised with bactericidal enzymes, they can trap and kill bacteria.
