Platelets direct monocyte differentiation into epithelioid-like multinucleated giant foam cells with suppressive capacity upon mycobacterial stimulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epithelioid, foam, and multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) are characteristics of tuberculosis granulomas, yet the precise genesis and functions of these transformed macrophages are unclear. We evaluated the role of platelets as drivers of macrophage transformation in mycobacterial infection.

Methods

We employed flow cytometry and microscopy to assess cellular phenotype and phagocytosis. Immune assays allowed quantification of cytokines and chemokines, whereas gene microarray technology was applied to estimate global transcriptome alterations. Immunohistochemical investigations of tuberculosis granulomas substantiated our findings at the site of infection.

Results

Monocytes differentiated in presence of platelets (MP-Macs) acquired a foamy, epithelioid appea

SUBMITTER: Feng Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4224136 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature