Platelet-Derived Exosomes in Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS), the main cause of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is a progressive inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids, fibrous elements, and calcification in the innermost layers of arteries. The result is the thickening and clogging of these vessel walls. Several cell types are directly involved in the pathological progression of AS. Among them, platelets represent the link between AS, inflammation, and thrombosis. Indeed, besides their pivotal role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are key mediators of inflammation at injury sites, where they act by regulating the function of other blood and vascular cell types, including endothelial cells (ECs), leukocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In recent years, increasing evidence has pointed to a central role of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (P-EVs) in the modulation of AS pathogenesis. However, while the role of platelet-derived microparticles (P-MPs) has been significantly investigated in recent years, the same cannot be said for platelet-derived exosomes (P-EXOs). For this reason, this reviews aims at summarizing the isolation methods and biological characteristics of P-EXOs, and at discussing their involvement in intercellular communication in the pathogenesis of AS. Evidence showing how P-EXOs and their cargo can be used as biomarkers for AS is also presented in this review.

Human leukocyte antigen class I antibody-activated endothelium promotes CD206+ M2 macrophage polarization and MMP9 secretion through TLR4 signaling and P-selectin in a model of antibody-mediated rejection and allograft vasculopathy

“…Prior studies have highlighted the capacity of P-selectin as a potent regulator of cell function in various immune cell types. 45 , 46 Specifically, macrophage adherence activates PSGL-1/Akt/mTOR-dependent signaling, promoting macrophage chemotaxis and phagocytosis. 47 Similarly, monocyte adherence to P-selectin induces PSGL-1/mTOR/eIF4E signaling regulating the surface protease receptor, UPAR which recognizes and binds to the matrix protein, vitronectin.…”

Challenges and Opportunities for Extracellular Vesicles in Clinical Oncology Therapy

“…Almost all eukaryotic cells including erythrocytes and platelets, are capable of releasing MPs. The mechanisms of MP production and release and their biological functions have been intensively studied [ 41 , 42 ]. MP release from nucleated cells usually occurs during activation or early apoptosis as well as due to cell differentiation, stress, senescence, stimulation by external cytokines or shear forces, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) treatment, apoptosis, microenvironmental changes, hypoxia, and malignancy.…”

Cell Type-Specific Extracellular Vesicles and Their Impact on Health and Disease

“…In physiological states, CTS-EVs secreted from blood cells, especially platelet-derived EVs, have garnered considerable scientific interest. Their abundance in the bloodstream and pivotal roles in processes such as wound healing, angiogenesis, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis make them a significant focus of study [ 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 ]. The isolation of these EVs, which requires further study, could aid the understanding and treatment of a variety of clotting disorders and thrombocytopenias [ 205 ].…”