Researchers at the CAMS Oxford Institute have identified an immune mechanism that may explain why some patients with pleural infection face more severe disease and poorer survival compared to others. The international study, led by Dr Julia Chu in the Kanellakis Lab, focused on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) which are web-like fibres released by neutrophils a type of white blood cells to trap and kill bacteria.
While NETs play a protective role, they can also drive harmful inflammation and tissue damage. Analysing data from more than 300 patients across the UK, Greece, and Italy, the team found that higher NET levels in pleural fluid were consistently linked to higher-risk disease and greater likelihood of death within one year. The findings suggest that measuring NETs could help clinicians identify the most vulnerable patients earlier and tailor treatment accordingly. This research was funded by the CAMS Oxford Institute and Asthma + Lung UK.
We thank the CAMS Oxford Institute Professional Services Support Team, the Pleural Unit, all our collaborators, and all patients and their families.
Read about the study here.