Mitochondrial damage ‐associated molecular patterns in blood transfusion products

Mitochondria are organelles in charge of energy supply and the control of apoptosis. Owing to their similarities with bacteria, however, extracellular mitochondria are considered damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) capable of activating the immune system and non‐immune cells. Studies revealed that diverse blood products contain extracellular mitochondria, which could account for the adverse reactions that can occur in transfusion. In this review, we discuss how mitochondrial DAMPs can trigger inflammatory responses, we highlight conditions relevant to transfusion during which mitochondria have been identified outside cells, and we discuss their potential as biomarkers for the assessment of blood product quality.
Source: ISBT Science Series - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Congress Review Source Type: research