Role of microRNAs in Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Prevention: Systematic Narrative Review

Abstract

Active neutrophils play a variety of roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses, and one of the most vital roles is the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are created when neutrophils release their chromatin contents to get and eradicate pathogenic organisms essentially. While NET helps fight bacteria, viruses, parasites, and infections, it is also linked to asthma, atherosclerosis, and cancer metastasis. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind NETosis formation and its inhibition is crucial for developing safe and effective therapies.This systematic review aims to identify the list of miRNAs that are associated with the formation of NETosis and illustrate the mechanism of action by classifying them based on their expression site. Moreover, it summarizes the list of miRNAs that can be targeted therapeutically to reduce NETosis in various disorders.The current study entailed the searching of PubMed and Google Scholar for articles related to the research topic role of miRNAs in NETosis in all types of disorders. The search terms and phrases included “NETs,” “neutrophil extracellular traps,” “NETosis,” “miRNA,” “miR,” and “micro-RNA.” The search was limited to articles published in English since October 2024 in both databases.Following a review of 23 papers, 19 of them met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. Four papers have been removed as they are duplicated or do not meet our criteria. According to the published articles till October 2024, there are 14 miRNAs involved in the molecular pathway of NETosis which are miR-155, miR-1696, miR-7, miR-223, miR-146a, miR-142a-3p, miR-3146, miR-505, miR-4512, miR-15b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-26b-5p, miR-125a-3p and miR-378a-3p. Moreover, eight miRNAs have been identified as possible therapeutic targets for the suppression of NETosis based on in-vivo studies carried out in various organisms, which are miR-155, miR-146a, miR-1696, miR-223, miR-142a-3p, miR-3146, miR-4512, miR-16-5p. Different miRNAs that are expressed inside or outside of neutrophils can regulate and influence NETosis. Eight miRNAs have also been identified as potential therapeutic targets, which can be utilized to inhibit the molecular pathways associated with NETosis and prevent its negative effects, such as asthma, atherosclerosis, cancer metastasis, and cancer recurrence. However, further human-based research is necessary to completely understand the role of miRNAs in the development of NETosis in humans.