ATP amplifies NADPH-dependent and -independent neutrophil extracellular trap formation

Neutrophils are the first immune cells to kill invading microbes at sites of infection using a variety of processes, including the release of proteases, phagocytosis and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NET formation, or NETosis, is a specific and highly efficient process, which is induced by a variety of stimuli leading to expulsion of DNA, proteases and antimicrobial peptides to the extracellular space. However, uncontrolled NETosis may lead to adverse effects and exert tissue damage in pathological conditions. Here, we show that the ATP channel pannexin1 (Panx1) is functionally expressed by bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs) of wild-type (WT) mice and that ATP contributes to NETosis induced in vitro by the calcium ionophore A23187 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Interestingly, neutrophils isolated from Panx1(−/−) mice showed reduced and/or delayed induction of NETosis. Brilliant blue FCF dye (BB-FCF), a Panx1 channel inhibitor, decreased NETosis in wild-type neutrophils to the extent observed in Panx1(−/−) neutrophils. Thus, we demonstrate that ATP and Panx1 channels contribute to NETosis and may represent a therapeutic target.