[5] It also localizes to neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), via its high affinity for DNA, an unusual property for serine proteases.

[6] The neutrophil form of elastase (EC 3.4.21.37) is 218 amino acids long, with two asparagine-linked carbohydrate chains (see glycosylation).

Neutrophil elastase may play a role in degenerative and inflammatory diseases by its proteolysis of collagen-IV and elastin of the extracellular matrix.

All 3 genes are expressed coordinately and their protein products are packaged together into azurophil granules during neutrophil differentiation.

Mutations of the ELANE gene cause cyclic and severe congenital neutropenia, which is a failure of neutrophils to mature.