In dynamic systems like the circulatory system, establishing localized cytokine gradients is challenging. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, we observed that monocytes release numerous migrasomes enriched with inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6. These cytokines are transported into migrasomes via secretory carriers, leading to their immediate exocytosis or eventual release from detached migrasomes. We successfully isolated TNF-α and IL-6-enriched, monocyte-derived migrasomes from the blood of LPS-treated mice. Total secretion analysis revealed a substantial amount of TNF-α and IL-6 released in a migrasome-packaged form. Thus, detached, monocyte-derived migrasomes represent a type of extracellular vesicle highly enriched with cytokines. Physiologically, these cytokine-laden migrasomes rapidly accumulate at local sites of inflammation, effectively creating a concentrated source of cytokines. Our research uncovers novel mechanisms for cytokine release and delivery, providing new insights into immune response modulation.
© 2024. The Author(s).