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Casting NETs
21 December 2016

Casting NETs

An unsuspecting insect flies into a spider web and moments later is encased in a flurry of webbing, perfectly packaged for devouring later. Spraying forth webs is a tactic also employed by immune cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils release web-like structures called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to encase and destroy pathogens. Researchers investigated what happens to these web-wielding neutrophils during infection with Candida albicans – a fungus that can prove fatal in people with weakened immune systems. Using scanning electron microscopy they found NETs are indeed released to fend off Candida when it’s distributed in clusters. However when Candida forms a biofilm (pictured), neutrophils remain rounded and fail to release NETs (centre). Further delving revealed components in the matrix of the biofilm were responsible for disarming the neutrophils, allowing Candida to evade destruction. These insights bring us closer to improving treatments against Candida biofilms, which are notoriously difficult to combat.

Written by Lux Fatimathas

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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