Megakaryocytes in the lung: History and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Platelets, primarily derived from bone marrow megakaryocytes, are crucial mediators of thrombosis.
• Emerging evidence identifies platelets as key players in the immune system, involved in sterile tissue injury and pathogen responses.
• Megakaryocytes are now conceptualized as immune cell progenitors, with growing evidence suggesting they may function as immune cells themselves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical literature on megakaryocytes in the lung.
• To discuss potential origins and immune functions of lung megakaryocytes.
• To summarize recent advancements in understanding lung megakaryocytes presented at the 2022 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and recent studies on lung megakaryocytes.
• Synthesis of data presented at the 2022 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress.
• Discussion of potential models for megakaryocyte origins and immune functions in the lung.

Main Results:

• Lung megakaryocytes have been described for over a century but only recently confirmed as platelet-producing.
• Lung megakaryocytes exhibit immune differentiation in both phenotype and function.
• The precise origin and specific roles of lung megakaryocytes in health and disease remain largely unknown.

Conclusions:

• Platelets possess significant immune functions beyond hemostasis.
• Megakaryocytes, including those in the lung, have immune cell-like properties.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the origins and functions of lung megakaryocytes in immunity and disease.