Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Oral Diseases.

Objective: To summarize the current knowledge of the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and its critical role in various oral diseases.

Methods: We reviewed the recent research on NETs through PubMed and Web of Science. An analysis of recent research results was summarized from three aspects: NETs induction and formation, functions of NETs, and NETs in oral diseases.

Results: The relationship between neutrophils and NETs is critical to the body's defense against microbial invasion. NETs can effectively combat pathogens with an anti-inflammatory effect and meanwhile it can contribute to inflammation. Moreover, it can synergize with other immune cells to respond to stimuli, such as pathogens, host-derived mediators, and drugs. It was revealed that NETs play different roles to influence various oral diseases like periodontitis, endodontic infection, oral mucosal diseases, maxillofacial tumors, and many other oral diseases.

Conclusion: The balance between the protective and potentially harmful effects of NETs is a key factor in determining the outcome of infections and inflammatory responses. The role of NETs in oral diseases needs to be further studied to enable better understanding of its role in the different oral diseases.