{"title":"Beyond platelet production: Megakaryocytes' emerging roles in immunity and infection.","authors":"R S Y Wong, S K Cheong","doi":"","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conventionally, megakaryocytes (MKs) are regarded as platelet-producing cells and their platelet-related functions in haemostasis have been well documented. However, it is increasingly evident that MKs have functions beyond platelet production. Convincing findings suggest that MKs are active participants in immunity and infections. Many reviews in the published literature have examined the immune functions of MK-derived platelets. However, relatively few reviews have emphasised on the role of MKs as immune cells. This review gives an overview of MKs, megakaryopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis, as well as a thorough examination of the evidence that favours MKs as immune cells. The emerging and multifaceted contributions of MKs to host defence against various infections are also discussed. Together, these findings identify MKs as key players in both immune homeostasis and host-pathogen interactions, presenting new therapeutic opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48723,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Pathology","volume":"46 3","pages":"343-354"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6000,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Malaysian Journal of Pathology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"PATHOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Conventionally, megakaryocytes (MKs) are regarded as platelet-producing cells and their platelet-related functions in haemostasis have been well documented. However, it is increasingly evident that MKs have functions beyond platelet production. Convincing findings suggest that MKs are active participants in immunity and infections. Many reviews in the published literature have examined the immune functions of MK-derived platelets. However, relatively few reviews have emphasised on the role of MKs as immune cells. This review gives an overview of MKs, megakaryopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis, as well as a thorough examination of the evidence that favours MKs as immune cells. The emerging and multifaceted contributions of MKs to host defence against various infections are also discussed. Together, these findings identify MKs as key players in both immune homeostasis and host-pathogen interactions, presenting new therapeutic opportunities.
期刊介绍:
The Malaysian Journal of Pathology is the official journal of the College of Pathologists, Academy of Medicine Malaysia. The primary purpose of The Journal is to publish the results of study and research in Pathology, especially those that have particular relevance to human disease occurring in Malaysia and other countries in this region. The term PATHOLOGY will be interpreted in its broadest sense to include Chemical Pathology, Cytology, Experimental Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Haematology, Histopathology, Immunology, Medical Microbiology and Parasitology. The Journal aims to bring under one cover publications of regional interest embracing the various sub-specialities of Pathology. It is expected that the articles published would be of value not only to pathologists, but also to medical practitioners in search of a scientific basis for the problems encountered in their practice, and to those with an interest in diseases which occur in the tropics.