AbstractMegakaryocytes (MKs) are precursors to platelets, the second most abundant cells in the peripheral circulation. However, while platelets are known participate in immune responses and play significant roles during infections, the role of MKs within the immune system has not been explored. Here we utilizein vitrotechniques to show that both cord blood-derived MKs (CB MKs) and MKs from a human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line (Meg-01) chemotax towards pathogenic stimuli, phagocytose bacteria, and release chromatin webs in response to bacteria. Moreover, in patients with sepsis, we found that MK counts were significantly higher in the peripheral blood, and CD61+staining was increased in the kidneys and lungs, correlated with the development of organ dysfunction. Overall, our study suggests that MK cells display basic innate immune cell functions and respond during infections and sepsis.
Human and Murine Innate Immune Cell Populations Display Common and Distinct Response Patterns during Their In Vitro Interaction with the Pathogenic Mold Aspergillus fumigatus
