Advances in research of neutrophil extracellular trap formation in osteoarticular diseases

Figure 3 The role of neutrophil extracellular traps in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, circulating factors promote excessive neutrophil extracellular traps formation. This overproduction results in citrullinated histones (including citH2A, citH2B, and citH4) that serve as modified autoantigens. Within rheumatoid arthritis joints, these citrullinated neoepitopes trigger adaptive immune responses, driving the production of neutrophil extracellular trap-targeting autoantibodies. This self-perpetuating cycle of autoantigen presentation and autoantibody generation contributes to chronic synovial inflammation. Created by Figdraw, ID: IYTII99622. NETs: Neutrophil extracellular traps; IL: Interleukin; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor; MMP: Matrix metalloproteinase; ACPA: Anti-citrullinated protein antibody; RA: Rheumatoid arthritis.