Neonatal Platelets Differentiate Monocytes to a Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cell Phenotype

Adult platelets are relatively enriched in immune related molecules compared to neonatal platelets, but neonatal platelets express some growth factors and enzymes at comparatively higher levels. This makes a prediction of platelet-immune cell interaction outcomes in neonates a challenge, as they are likely dependent on the cell type and tissue environment at the time of injury or infection. Our past studies revealed that the transfusion of adult but not neonatal platelets into thrombocytopenic neonatal mice led to an acute increase in monocyte trafficking. We have now found that neonatal, but not adult platelets, induce monocytes to a Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cell (MDSC) phenotype, typified by increased PD-L1, that limits T-cell activation in vitro and in vivo. Monocytes prior incubated with neonatal, but not adult platelets, or platelet releasates, limited T-cell activation in vitro. Using an in vivo asthma-like model we also found that the treatment of mice with monocytes prior incubated with neonatal platelet releasates limited T-cell activation in a asthma-like model. Platelet-driven effects were dependent on neonatal platelets producing more PGE2 that signaled through monocyte EP4. These studies indicate that neonatal platelets have immune limiting roles in the post-natal period by indirectly limiting T-cell responses, perhaps contributing to the adverse outcomes of platelet transfusions to neonates.