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Extracellular Vesicles in Sickle Cell Disease: A Promising Tool
Yann Lamarre1, Elie Nader2, Philippe Connes2
1Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles, Inserm, BIGR, F-75015 Paris, France.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 22, 2022
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in sickle cell disease (SCD) pathophysiology. This review details how medium-sized and small-sized EVs contribute to SCD complications like vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent hemoglobinopathy worldwide.
- SCD involves impaired vasodilation, pro-coagulant, and pro-adhesive states.
- Key factors include nitric oxide depletion, phosphatidylserine exposure, and endothelial cell interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concentration and role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in SCD.
- To elucidate the pathophysiological involvement of EVs in SCD.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on EVs in SCD.
- Analysis of studies detailing EV concentration and function in SCD patients.
Main Results:
- Increased plasma levels of medium-sized EVs (microparticles) activate endothelial cells, promoting neutrophil adhesion and potentially leading to vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).
- Overrepresented small-sized EVs (exosomes) potentiate erythrocyte-platelet interactions and disrupt endothelial monolayers, also favoring VOC occurrence.
- EVs are identified as novel actors in SCD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles are significantly involved in the complex pathophysiology of sickle cell disease.
- Understanding EV concentration and function is critical for comprehending SCD complications like VOCs.
- Further research into EVs may offer new therapeutic targets for SCD management.
