Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: Diagnostic and Clinical Significance-A Review of the Current Literature.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of rare but potentially life-threatening autoimmune diseases that affect small to medium-sized blood vessels. Recent evidence highlights the critical role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the pathophysiology of AAV. NETs, which are web-like structures composed of DNA and antimicrobial proteins, contribute to vascular damage and immune activation. In patients with AAV, excessive or impaired clearance of NETs can trigger autoantibody production and exacerbate inflammation. This literature review demonstrates the association between NETs and disease activity in AAV. Biomarkers such as MPO-DNA complexes and circulating free DNA can be used to assess disease activity and the response to treatment. Understanding NETosis in the clinical context could improve risk stratification, guide treatment decisions, enable the development of new targeted therapies, and support the development of more precise monitoring tools for AAV treatment.