The Role of Crosstalk between Nets and Keratinocytes in Skin Immunity.

Abstract

The skin is the principal barrier against pathogens. Skin-resident cells, especially keratinocytes, play essential roles in skin immunity. Damage to the integrity of the skin barrier triggers the localized release of proinflammatory factors from keratinocytes, which attract neutrophils. These infiltrating neutrophils in turn release cytokines to modulate keratinocyte function, thereby amplifying skin inflammation. In addition, neutrophils produce neutrophil extracellular traps in a process called NETosis. Notably, crosstalk between neutrophils and keratinocytes is a prominent feature of skin infection eradication and autoimmune disorder development. In this paper, we review research progress on neutrophil extracellular traps in cutaneous immunity, with a particular emphasis on their modulation of keratinocytes. Moreover, we discuss the implications of neutrophil heterogeneity for immune defense and disease development and treatment.