Science publications reveal the "new identity" of red blood cells: not only oxygen "porters", but also human immune "sentinels"

As we all know, in the blood circulation, red blood cells are mainly responsible for delivering oxygen to various organs and tissues of the body, like a quiet and low-key porter

As we all know, in the blood circulation, red blood cells are mainly responsible for delivering oxygen to various organs and tissues of the body, like a quiet and low-key porter

The University of Pennsylvania research team published the latest paper in Science Translational Medicine : "DNA binding to TLR9 expressed by red bloodcells promotes innate immune activation and anemia" , revealing the " new identity " of red blood cells

Studies have found that red blood cells ( red blood cells , RBC ) are not only oxygen transporters, but also play the role of scouts.

In the respiratory system, red blood cells receive oxygen from the lungs to move to various tissues of the body, which also makes it more likely to come into contact with pathogens or antigens

FIG: researchers are labeled with a fluorescent cell membrane (green) and TLR9 (red) demonstrated in vivo human and mouse TLR9 expression in red blood cell membrane, red blood cell membrane of human and mouse TLR9 expression

FIG: researchers are labeled with a fluorescent cell membrane (green) and TLR9 (red) demonstrated in vivo human and mouse TLR9 expression in red blood cell membrane, red blood cell membrane of human and mouse TLR9 expression

So, does the combination of TLR9 red blood cells and CPG-DNA cause changes in the structure and function of red blood cells? Studies have shown that during the period of aseptic inflammation and infection , the free DNA containing CPG in plasma increases.

So, does the combination of TLR9 red blood cells and CPG-DNA cause changes in the structure and function of red blood cells? Studies show, in sterile inflammation and infection during the plasma contains infection CPG free DNA increased researchers with CpG-DNA treated erythrocytes directly observed by an electron microscope, and directly to the red blood cell shape structure: and CPG bound erythrocytes Obviously deformed, the cell membrane shrank

In addition to morphology, red blood cell function also occurred a certain variation, researchers used by the added amount CpG-DNA method, to observe the effect on red cell function, analysis showed, CpG-DNA is added to cause the osmotic fragility of red blood cells is reduced, and the permeate Red blood cells with reduced fragility will easily induce anemia in patients with inflammation

Figure: Changes in the appearance of red blood cells

Figure: Changes in the appearance of red blood cells

 

Subsequently, researchers found that the CpG binding to red blood cells can cause CD47 deletion protein, and CD47 lack the protein will accelerate the red pulp F4 / 80 -positive macrophages in the spleen (RPM) phagocytosis

Subsequently, researchers found that the CpG binding to red blood cells can cause CD47 deletion protein, and CD47 lack the protein will accelerate the red pulp F4 / 80 -positive macrophages in the spleen (RPM) phagocytosis

Picture: Red blood cells are phagocytosed in the tissue

Picture: Red blood cells are phagocytosed in the tissue

In conclusion, in this study, the researchers determined the new role of red blood cells in the immune response to infection

In conclusion, in this study, the researchers determined the new role of red blood cells in the immune response to infection

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