This is what Neutrophils do when they create a Neutrophil Extracellular Trap. Or NET for short. If Neutrophils get the impression that drastic measures are called for, they begin this crazy kind of suicide. First their nucleus begins to dissolve, freeing up their DNA. As it fills up the cell, countless proteins and enzymes attach to it—the sharp bone splinters from our little story. And then the Neutrophil literally spits out its entire DNA around itself, like a giant net. Not only can this net trap enemies in place and hurt them—it also creates a physical barrier that makes it harder for
...more
