Neutrophil-derived exosome from systemic sclerosis inhibits the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVES

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, inflammation, and extensive fibrosis in multiple organs. Exosomes (EXOs) are cell-derived vesicles contained various DNAs, RNAs and proteins, and play important roles in various diseases. Here, we aimed to investigate the roles of SSc EXOs in angiogenesis related mechanisms.

METHODS

EXOs were isolated from plasma, cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)/neutrophil supernatants, and identified by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of S100A8/A9 was measured by real-time PCR and ELISA. Proliferation, migration and scratch assays in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) were used to study the EXOs influence.

RESULTS

Plasma and neutrophil EXOs from SSc patients can suppress the proliferation and migration of HDMECs. High levels of S100A8/A9 were found in SSc EXOs which derived from plasma, PBMCs and neutrophils. The expression of S100A8/A9 in neutrophil EXOs was higher than that in PBMC EXOs in SSc patients. The proliferation and migration of HDMECs were possibly inhibited by S100A8/A9 of neutrophil EXOs.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophil EXOs from SSc patients inhibits the proliferation and migration of HDMECs, S100A8/A9 might play an important role in this process.