Mature murine megakaryocytes present antigen-MHC class I molecules to T cells and transfer them to platelets

Megakaryocytes (MKs) are bone marrow–derived cells that are primarily responsible for generating platelets for the maintenance of hemostasis. Although MK can variably express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules during their differentiation, little is known whether they can elicit nonhemostatic immune functions such as T-cell activation. Here, we demonstrate that mature CD34 − MHC class II − CD41 + MKs can endocytose exogenous ovalbumin (OVA) and proteolytically generate its immunogenic peptide ligand, which is crosspresented on their surface in association with MHC class I molecules. This crosspresentation triggered in vitro and in vivo OVA-specific CD8 + T-cell activation and proliferation. In addition, the OVA-MHC class I complexes were transferred from MK to pro-platelets upon thrombopoiesis in vitro. MK could also present endogenous MK-associated (CD61) peptides to activate CD61-specific CD8 + T cells and mediate immune thrombocytopenia in vivo. These results suggest that, in addition to their hemostatic role, mature MKs can significantly affect antigen-specific CD8 + T-cell responses via antigen presentation and are able to spread this immunogenic information through platelets.