The localization, origin, and impact of platelets in the tumor microenvironment are tumor type-dependent

Abstract

Background How platelets interact with and influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains poorly characterized. Methods We compared the presence and participation of platelets in the TME of two tumors characterized by highly different TME, PyMT AT-3 mammary tumors and B16F1 melanoma. Results We show that whereas firmly adherent platelets continuously line tumor vessels of both AT-3 and B16F1 tumors, abundant extravascular stromal clusters of platelets from thrombopoietin-independent origin were present only in AT-3 mammary tumors. We further show that platelets influence the angiogenic and inflammatory profiles of AT-3 and B16F1 tumors, though with very different outcomes according to tumor type. Whereas thrombocytopenia increased bleeding in both tumor types, it further caused severe endothelial degeneration associated with massive vascular leakage, tumor swelling, and increased infiltration of cytotoxic cells, only in AT-3 tumors. Conclusions These results indicate that while platelets are integral components of solid tumors, their localization and origin in the TME, as well as their impact on its shaping, are tumor type-dependent.