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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
Published on: June 2, 2020
Extracellular vesicle impact on immunity following blood transfusion
Genevieve Marcoux1, Stephan Hasse2, Martin L Olsson3
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Purpose Of The Review:
Recent insights into extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from platelet (PC) and red blood cell concentrates (RBC), which form during blood product processing and storage.
Recent Findings:
EVs impact transfusion outcomes by modulating immune and inflammatory responses. Acting as lipid mediators and expressing adhesion molecules, EVs contribute to immune signaling via cytokines, DAMPs, and antigen-presenting molecules. In RBC, EVs accumulate during storage and are linked to endothelial cell (EC) activation, increased thrombotic risk, and tissue inflammation - especially under existing inflammatory conditions. While their effect on circulating immune cells is limited, they strongly activate tissue-resident immune and EC. In PCs, platelet-derived EVs and other cell-specific EVs also emerge. Certain EV subtypes express CD27, CD70, CD39, and HLA antigens, altering T-cell, B-cell, and monocyte activity. These immunomodulatory effects may contribute to transfusion-related immunomodulation and alloimmunization.
Summary:
EVs in stored blood products influence immune responses highlighting the need for monitoring.
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