The immune potential of ex vivo stored platelets: a review

Abstract

Platelets are now acknowledged as key regulators of the immune system, as they are capable of mediating inflammation, leucocyte recruitment and activation. This activity is facilitated through platelet activation, which induces significant changes in the surface receptor profile and triggers the release of a range of soluble biological response modifiers (BRMs). In the field of transfusion medicine, the immune function of platelets has gained considerable attention as this may be linked to the development of adverse transfusion reactions. Further, component manufacturing and storage methodologies may impact the immunoregulatory role of platelets, and an understanding of this impact is crucial and should be considered alongside their haemostatic characteristics. This review highlights the key interactions between platelets and traditional immune modulators. Further, the potential impact of current and novel component storage methodologies, such as refrigeration and cryopreservation, on this functional capacity is examined, highlighting why further knowledge in this area would be of benefit.

Characterization of the human platelet N- and O-glycome upon storage using tandem mass spectrometry

“…Platelet freezing causes a decrease in glycoprotein expression, including GPIbα and GPIIb. 52 A decrease in peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin binding following platelet cryopreservation has been reported. 53 PNA has a specificity for Galβ1-3GalNAc (core-1 or the TF-antigen) moieties, but this binding is inhibited upon sialylation.…”