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DNA defense

Immune cell expels its mitochondrial DNA to keep invaders at bay

By Rachel Ehrenberg

- More than 2 years ago

Catapults aren’t just handy for besieging medieval castles. They can also help battle invading bacteria, scientists have learned.

TANGLED UP IN RED Immune system cells known as eosinophils (in green with red nucleus) catapult their mitochondrial DNA out of the cell, forming tangled traps (red) that ensnare foreign bacteria.