Platelet-Derived GARP Induces Peripheral Regulatory T Cells—Potential Impact on T Cell Suppression in Patients with Melanoma-Associated Thrombocytosis

• Main Authors: Niklas Zimmer, Franziska K. Krebs, Sophia Zimmer, Heidrun Mitzel-Rink, Elena J. Kumm, Kerstin Jurk, Stephan Grabbe, Carmen Loquai, Andrea Tuettenberg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-12-01
• Series: Cancers
• Subjects: GARP; platelets; Treg; melanoma; thrombocytosis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/12/12/3653

Platelets have been recently described as an important component of the innate and adaptive immunity through their interaction with immune cells. However, information on the platelet–T cell interaction in immune-mediated diseases remains limited. Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) expressed on platelets and on activated regulatory T cells (Treg) is involved in the regulation of peripheral immune responses by modulating the bioavailability of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Soluble GARP (sGARP) exhibits strong regulatory and anti-inflammatory capacities both in vitro and in vivo, leading to the induction of peripheral Treg. Herein, we investigated the effect of platelet-derived GARP on the differentiation, phenotype, and function of T effector cells. CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells cocultured with platelets upregulated FoxP3, the master transcription factor for Treg, were anergic, and were strongly suppressive. These effects were reversed by using a blocking anti-GARP antibody, indicating a dependency on GARP. Importantly, melanoma patients in different stages of disease showed a significant upregulation of GARP on the platelet surface, correlating to a reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy. In conclusion, our data indicate that platelets induce peripheral Treg via GARP. These findings might contribute to diseases such as cancer-associated thrombocytosis, wherein poor prognosis and metastasis are associated with high counts of circulating platelets.