Targeting neutrophil extracellular traps: A novel strategy for treating heterotopic ossification

In this article, we make a comment on the recent article by Sun <i>et al</i>, focusing on the advances of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in common osteoarticular diseases. Neutrophils are the first line to eliminate invading pathogens including fungal and bacterial infections <i>via</i> releasing hydrolytic enzymes and reactive oxygen species. Besides, neutrophils will accumulate at the inflammatory site and release NETs, which are composed of histones, DNA and granular proteins. Traumatic heterotopic ossification (THO) was generally believed to develop through four stages: Inflammation, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone maturation. Thus, it can be seen that THO was related to inflammation and bone formation. Apart from immune and infectious diseases, recent studies have also shown that NETs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of THO. This article focuses on elaborating the role of NETs in the onset of THO, discussing the existing problems in the current research and outlining future directions.