Platelet mitochondrial transfer via extracellular vesicles modulates neutrophil phenotype and function
Harriet E Allan1, Nicola Dark2, Paul Vulliamy3
1Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis : JTH
|August 22, 2025
Summary
Platelet extracellular vesicles carrying mitochondria can transfer these organelles to neutrophils, boosting neutrophil metabolism and extracellular trap formation while impairing bacterial engulfment, revealing a novel intercellular communication pathway.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Immunology
- Mitochondrial research
Background:
- Platelets release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing functional mitochondria.
- Extracellular mitochondria suggest a role in intercellular communication.
- Mitochondrial transfer is a key area of research for cellular function and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize how neutrophils change after interacting with platelet EVs containing or lacking mitochondria.
- To investigate the functional and phenotypic impact of mitochondrial transfer from platelets to neutrophils.
Main Methods:
- Separated platelet EVs by mitochondrial content using cell sorting.
- Incubated EVs with isolated neutrophils.
- Analyzed neutrophil surface receptors and function using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and metabolic flux assays.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils internalized platelet EVs containing mitochondria, increasing their metabolic capacity.
- Mitochondrial transfer enhanced neutrophil activation, adhesion, and migration pathways.
- Neutrophils showed reduced phagocytic capacity but increased neutrophil extracellular trap formation after internalizing platelet mitochondria.
Conclusions:
- Platelet mitochondria transferred via EVs alter neutrophil metabolic function and activity.
- Platelet mitochondria act as intercellular communicators modulating immune and inflammatory responses.
