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The role of microparticles in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases

Nature Reviews Rheumatology volume 6, pages 21–29 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane-bound vesicles that are emerging as important elements in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases owing to their pleiotropic effects on thrombosis, vascular reactivity, angiogenesis and inflammation. Released from cells during activation and apoptosis, MPs carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, and serve as platforms for enzymatic processes in thrombosis. Furthermore, MPs can transfer cytokines, receptors, RNA and DNA to modulate the properties of target cells. As MPs appear in the blood in increased numbers during rheumatic disease, they represent novel biomarkers that can be used to assess events in otherwise inaccessible tissues. Future research will define further the pathogenetic role of MPs and explore therapeutic strategies to block their release or signaling properties.

Key Points

  • Microparticles (MPs) are membrane-bound vesicles that are released from cells during cell activation and apoptosis

  • Depending on the cellular origin and the process of their release, MPs can promote hemostasis, vascular reactivity, angiogenesis and immunity

  • Levels of MPs are increased in the blood of patients with rheumatic diseases, suggesting an important role in disease pathogenesis

  • Circulating MPs represent novel biomarkers for otherwise inaccessible tissues (e.g. endothelium)

  • To establish MPs as biomarkers in rheumatic diseases, future studies need to standardize techniques for isolation and quantification

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Figure 1: The formation and release of MPs, exosomes and apoptotic bodies.
Figure 2: Mechanisms of immune modulation by MPs.
Figure 3: The many roles of MPs in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.

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  1. Department for Internal Medicine 3 and Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany

    Christian Beyer

  2. Durham VA Medical Center, Box 151G, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, 27705, NC, USA

    David S. Pisetsky

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Beyer, C., Pisetsky, D. The role of microparticles in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 6, 21–29 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2009.229

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