RESUMO
Neutrophils, as innate effector cells, play an essential role in the containment and elimination of pathogens. Among the main neutrophil mechanisms use for these processes is the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which consist of decondensed DNA decorated with various cytoplasmic proteins. NETs' principal role is the trapping and elimination of infectious agents; therefore, the formation of NETs is regulated by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses through different mechanisms: the presence of virulence factors (adhered or secreted), microbial load, size of the microorganism, and even due to other immune cells activation (mainly platelets). This review summarizes the significant aspects that contribute to NETs modulation by pathogens and their components, and the effect NETs have on these pathogens as a cellular defense mechanism.