Abstract: In recent years， accumulating evidence suggests that the neutrophil extracellular traps （NET） play a critical role in the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） and lupus  nephritis  （LN）.  Upon interaction with invading microbes， neutrophils release their chromatin material， histones， as  well  as  active  lytic  enzymes into the extracellular space which known as NET. NET trap the invading pathogens and degrade them with NET-associated proteolytic enzymes. However， many  of  these  NET-associated  proteins  could  be  a  source  of  autoantigens  for  autoantibody production.  The  imbalance  between  NET  formation  and  degradation  could  lead  to  the  accumulation  of  NET-associated proteins and  prolonged  exposure  of  NET  autoantigens  in  the  circulation.  This  could  potentially  break  self-tolerance  and trigger the development of autoimmune disease. This article reviews the role of NET in the pathogenesis of SLE and LN， as well as potential treatments.

Key words: neutrophil extracellular traps , autoantigen , systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis