Wong R S Y, Cheong S K
Sunway University, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Department of Medical Education, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cheras 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Malays J Pathol. 2024 Dec;46(3):343-354.
Conventionally, megakaryocytes (MKs) are regarded as platelet-producing cells and their platelet-related functions in haemostasis have been well documented. However, it is increasingly evident that MKs have functions beyond platelet production. Convincing findings suggest that MKs are active participants in immunity and infections. Many reviews in the published literature have examined the immune functions of MK-derived platelets. However, relatively few reviews have emphasised on the role of MKs as immune cells. This review gives an overview of MKs, megakaryopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis, as well as a thorough examination of the evidence that favours MKs as immune cells. The emerging and multifaceted contributions of MKs to host defence against various infections are also discussed. Together, these findings identify MKs as key players in both immune homeostasis and host-pathogen interactions, presenting new therapeutic opportunities.
传统上，巨核细胞（MKs）被视为产生血小板的细胞，其在止血中与血小板相关的功能已有充分记载。然而，越来越明显的是，巨核细胞具有超出血小板生成的功能。有说服力的研究结果表明，巨核细胞是免疫和感染的积极参与者。已发表文献中的许多综述探讨了源自巨核细胞的血小板的免疫功能。然而，相对较少的综述强调巨核细胞作为免疫细胞的作用。本综述概述了巨核细胞、巨核细胞生成和血小板生成，以及对支持巨核细胞作为免疫细胞的证据的全面审视。还讨论了巨核细胞对宿主抵御各种感染的新出现的多方面贡献。总之，这些发现确定巨核细胞是免疫稳态和宿主 - 病原体相互作用中的关键参与者，带来了新的治疗机会。
