Release of potential immunomodulatory factors during platelet storage

Blood platelets (PLTs) link the processes of hemostasis and inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated that PLTs promote immunity and inflammation mainly by means of the CD40/CD40L pathway. Our objective was to describe the accumulation of cytokines in PLT concentrates during storage.

Pools of PLT concentrates were prepared, separated from plasma, and resuspended in clinical-grade storage medium; samples were taken on Days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5 for analysis, without replacement (i.e., without soluble protein dilution). Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, PLT-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), RANTES, and transforming growth factor-beta production were measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Over time, the levels of RANTES, IL-8, and IL-6 were stable. In contrast, the levels of PDGF-AA and sCD40L increased. Ex vivo production of sCD40L was quantified at levels sufficient to induce B-cell effects based on previous studies of in vitro induced B-cell activation and differentiation by sCD40L. Cytokine and/or chemokine levels were generally higher in PLT concentrate supernatants and/or PLT lysates in comparison to PLT-free plasma, allowing the determination of which cytokine and/or chemokine was absorbed or secreted by transfusion-grade PLTs over time.

Our data provide evidence that stored PLTs contain molecules with known immunomodulatory competence and secrete them differentially over time during storage for transfusion purposes.