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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Flow Cytometry Analysis of Tissue Factor Expression in Human Platelets
Published on: November 22, 2024
Platelet-derived microparticles trigger THP-1 monocytic cell aggregation and release of pro-coagulant tissue
Hsiu-Chen Lin1, Hui-Wen Chang2, Shun-Hung Hsiao3
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Microparticles (MPs) released by blood or endothelial cells are present in plasma for transfusion. They originate from the collected donor blood or are triggered by the variable steps taking place during collection and production/storage processes of blood components. While MPs may contribute to hemostasis, their presence in transfused plasma may lead to uncontrolled thrombin generation when transfused to susceptible cancer or hypercoagulable patients. Understanding the biochemical and cellular triggers of MP-mediated thrombogenesis is therefore crucial. We isolated platelet MPs (PMPs) present in platelet concentrate supernatant plasma (N-PMPs) or prepared by activation of isolated platelets using 0.1 IU/mL thrombin (T-PMPs). N-PMPs and T-PMPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering and counted by tunable resistive pulse sensing to determine population size and number. T-MPMs, but not N-PMPs, induced immediate, long-lasting, strong aggregation of THP-1 monocytic cells in vitro. In addition, co-cultures of THP-1 cells with both N-PMPs and T-PMPs triggered the generation of pro-coagulant tissue factor (TF)-bearing MPs from THP-1 cells. Therefore, some PMPs may induce THP-1 monocytic cell aggregation in vitro and trigger immune cell-mediated thrombogenicity linked to the release of pro-coagulant tissue factor-bearing MPs. Controlling the impact of the presence of PMPs in transfused blood components in certain patient population or critically ill patients deserves in-depth consideration.
Insights
Platelet microparticles (PMPs) in transfused plasma can trigger blood clotting in susceptible patients. Activated PMPs cause monocytic cell aggregation and release tissue factor, increasing thrombogenicity risk.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are released by blood and endothelial cells during blood collection and storage.
- While MPs can aid hemostasis, their presence in transfused plasma may cause uncontrolled thrombin generation in hypercoagulable patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thrombogenic potential of platelet microparticles (PMPs) found in transfused plasma.
- To understand the biochemical and cellular triggers of MP-mediated thrombogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Isolated platelet microparticles (PMPs) from platelet concentrate supernatant (N-PMPs) and thrombin-activated platelets (T-PMPs).
- Characterized PMPs using dynamic light scattering and tunable resistive pulse sensing.
- Assessed PMP-induced THP-1 monocytic cell aggregation and tissue factor (TF) release in co-culture models.
Main Results:
- Thrombin-activated PMPs (T-PMPs), but not native PMPs (N-PMPs), induced significant THP-1 monocytic cell aggregation in vitro.
- Co-culture with both N-PMPs and T-PMPs stimulated THP-1 cells to release pro-coagulant tissue factor (TF)-bearing MPs.
- These findings suggest PMPs can trigger immune cell-mediated thrombogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Certain PMPs can induce monocytic cell aggregation and trigger thrombogenicity via TF-bearing MP release.
- The presence of PMPs in transfused blood components warrants careful consideration for specific patient populations, including those with cancer or hypercoagulable states.
- Further research is needed to control the impact of PMPs in transfusion medicine.
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