Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Tumors and Potential Use of Traditional Herbal Medicine Formulations for Its Regulation

Abstract

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular fibers composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and decorated proteins produced by neutrophils. Recently, NETs have been associated with the development of many diseases, including tumors. Herein, we reviewed the correlation between NETs and tumors. In addition, we detailed active compounds from traditional herbal medicine formulations that inhibit NETs, related nanodrug delivery systems, and antibodies that serve as “guiding moieties” to ensure targeted delivery to NETs. Furthermore, we discussed the strategies used by pathogenic microorganisms to evade NETs.

Keywords:

• neutrophil extracellular traps
• cancer
• traditional herbal medicine formulations
• nano delivery systems

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82260695, China), Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation (NO. 20232ACB206062 and 20212ACB206004, China), Innovation Team for Safety and Development of Chinese Medicine (NO. ZYYCXTD-D-202207, China), Young Jinggang Scholar of Jiangxi Province (J.Z.), and New Century Talents Project of Jiangxi Province (2017082, X.L. and 2020028, J.Z.), Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Innovation Team Development Program (CXTD22001 and CXTD22006), and Project of college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship training program of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (L. Hu, [2022]2).

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.