Published in

MDPI, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 10(21), p. 3625, 2020

DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103625

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Ticagrelor Exerts Immune-Modulatory Effect by Attenuating Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Green circle
Postprint: archiving allowed
Green circle
Published version: archiving allowed
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Neutrophils through the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) containing active tissue factor (TF) are key components of thrombo-inflammation. Platelets-neutrophils interplay in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) promotes NET formation via inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) released by thrombin-activated platelets. NETs, however, are also induced by biomaterials in a platelet-independent manner. Considering the possible pleiotropic effects of Ticagrelor beyond platelet inhibition and the clinical need for novel antithrombotic strategies targeting inflammation, we investigated the effects of Ticagrelor on polyP and stent-induced NETs in STEMI. Neutrophils from healthy individuals and patients receiving Ticagrelor were stimulated with polyP or drug-eluting stents (DES) to produce NETs. To induce TF expression, neutrophils were further incubated with plasma obtained from the infarct-related artery (IRA) of STEMI patients. The effects of Ticagrelor on NETs and TF loading were assessed using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, myeloperoxidase(MPO)/DNA complex ELISA, and a Western blot. Ticagrelor interrupts platelet–neutrophil interaction by attenuating NETs induced by polyP. However, Ticagrelor does not affect polyP secretion from thrombin-activated platelets. Similarly, the intracellular production of TF in neutrophils triggered by IRA plasma is not hindered by Ticagrelor. Furthermore, DES induce NETs and synchronous stimulation with IRA plasma leads to the formation of thrombogenic TF-bearing NETs. Ticagrelor inhibits stent-induced NET release. These findings suggest a novel immune-modulatory effect of Ticagrelor when it attenuates the formation of thrombogenic NETs.