Neutrophil extracellular traps have auto-catabolic activity and produce mononucleosome-associated circulating DNA.

Our work describes the mechanisms by which NET and cirDNA are linked. In doing so, we demonstrate that NET are a major source of mono-N cirDNA independent of apoptosis and establish a new paradigm of the mechanisms of cirDNA release in normal and pathological conditions. We also demonstrate a link between immune response and cirDNA.