Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) and Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs): Two Potential Targets for COVID-19 Treatment

Figure 2

Infection of lung epithelium mediated by SARS-CoV-2 leads to cell release of multiple cytokines and DAMPs (HMGB1). These molecules induce immune cell recruitment as a direct action on resident cells and as a result of cytokine release in blood circulation. Activated neutrophils show increased autophagy and NETosis with the release of ROS. The resulting mechanism leads to lung injury and oedema resulting in interstitial pneumonia up to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DAMPs: damage-associated molecular patterns; G-CSF: granulocyte colony stimulating factor; HMGB1: high-mobility group box 1; IL: interleukin; IFN-γ: interferon-γ; MCP1: monocyte chemoattractant protein 1; MIP1-α: macrophage inflammatory protein 1-α; NETosis: release of neutrophil extracellular traps; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; TNF-α: tumour necrosis factor-α.