Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles convey mitochondrial DAMPs in platelet concentrates and their levels are associated with adverse reactions.

BACKGROUND

Whereas platelet transfusion is a common medical procedure, inflammation still occurs in a fraction of transfused individuals despite the absence of any apparent infectious agents. Platelets can shed membrane vesicles, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), some of which contain mitochondria (mito+EV). With its content of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), the mitochondrion can stimulate the innate immune system. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a recognized DAMP detected in the extracellular milieu in numerous inflammatory conditions and in platelet concentrates. We hypothesized that platelet-derived mitochondria encapsulated in EVs may represent a reservoir of mtDNA.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Herein, we explored the implication of mito+EVs in the occurrence of mtDNA quantified in platelet concentrate supernatants that induced or did not induce transfusion adverse reactions.

RESULTS

We observed that EVs were abundant in platelet concentrates, and platelet-derived mito+EVs were more abundant in platelet concentrates that induced adverse reactions. A significant correlation (r  = 0.73; p < 0.0001) between platelet-derived mito+EV levels and mtDNA concentrations was found. However, there was a nonsignificant correlation between the levels of EVs without mitochondria and mtDNA concentrations (r  = -0.11; p = 0.5112). The majority of the mtDNA was encapsulated into EVs.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that platelet-derived EVs, such as those that convey mitochondrial DAMPs, may be a useful biomarker for the prediction of potential risk of adverse transfusion reactions. Moreover, our work implies that investigations are necessary to determine whether there is a causal pathogenic role of mitochondrial DAMP encapsulated in EVs as opposed to mtDNA in solution.