Requirements for NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase in neutrophil extracellular trap formation differ depending on the stimulus

Release of NETs by neutrophils is linked with immune protection and host damage. A variety of stimuli promotes NET formation. However, findings from different laboratories often vary, and it is possible that more than one mechanism of NET formation exists. NET formation induced by PMA has been shown to require NADPH oxidase activity, and there is evidence that the granule enzyme MPO is also involved. However, requirements for NADPH oxidase or MPO with other stimuli are less well established. We investigated the role of oxidants in NET formation by human neutrophils induced with PMA, several bacterial genera, and the calcium ionophore ionomycin. With the use of inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase and MPO, oxidant scavengers, and cells from a MPO-deficient individual, we observed that requirements for oxidant generation depend on the stimulus. NADPH oxidase activity was required with PMA and bacterial stimulation but not with ionomycin. Whereas MPO was required for efficient NET formation with PMA, incubation with bacteria induced NETs independently of MPO activity. Although the specific mechanisms whereby oxidants participate in NET formation remain to be clarified, it is possible that other stimuli that mobilize calcium act like ionomycin via an oxidant-independent mechanism, and it cannot be inferred from results with PMA that MPO is required with more physiological stimuli. J. Leukoc. Biol. 92: 841-849; 2012.