Characterization of buffy coat-derived granulocytes for clinical use: a comparison with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor/dexamethasone-pretreated donor-derived products

A van de Geer, R P Gazendam, A T J Tool, J L van Hamme, D de Korte, T K van den Berg, S S Zeerleder, T W Kuijpers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Buffy coat-derived granulocytes have been described as an alternative to the apheresis product from donors pretreated with dexamethasone and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The latter is - dependent on the local and national settings - obtained following a demanding and time-consuming procedure, which is undesirable in critically ill septic patients. In contrast, buffy coat-derived products have a large volume and are often heavily contaminated with red cells and platelets. We developed a new pooled buffy coat-derived product with high purity and small volume, and performed a comprehensive functional characterization of these granulocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We pooled ten buffy coats following the production of platelet concentrates. Saline 0·9% was added to decrease the viscosity and the product was split into plasma, red cells and a 'super' buffy coat. Functional data of the granulocytes were compared to those obtained with granulocytes from healthy controls and G-CSF/dexamethasone-pretreated donors.

RESULTS: Buffy coat-derived granulocytes showed adhesion, chemotaxis, reactive oxygen species production, degranulation, NETosis and in vitro killing of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus species comparable to control and G-CSF/dexamethasone-derived granulocytes. Candida killing was superior compared to G-CSF/dexamethasone-derived granulocytes. Immunophenotyping was normal; especially no signs of activation in the buffy coat-derived granulocytes were seen. Viability was reduced. Buffy coats are readily available in the regular blood production process and would take away the concerns around the apheresis product.

CONCLUSION: The product described appears a promising alternative for transfusion purposes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)173-182
Number of pages10
JournalVox sanguinis
Volume112
Issue number2
Early online date2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2017

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Blood Buffy Coat
  • Blood Component Removal
  • Blood Donors
  • Blood Platelets
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Survival
  • Chemotaxis
  • Dexamethasone
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Granulocytes
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Journal Article
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • NADPH Oxidases
  • Reactive Oxygen Species

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