Characterization of large extracellular vesicles (L-EV) derived from human regulatory macrophages (Mreg): novel mediators in wound healing and angiogenesis?

BACKGROUND: Large extracellular vesicles (L-EV) with a diameter between 1 and 10 µm are released by various cell types. L-EV contain and transport active molecules which are crucially involved in cell to cell communication. We have shown that secretory products of human regulatory macrophages (Mreg) bear pro-angiogenic potential in-vitro and our recent findings show that Mreg cultures also contain numerous large vesicular structures similar to L-EV with so far unknown characteristics and function. AIM OF THIS STUDY: To characterize the nature of Mreg-derived L-EV (L-EV(Mreg)) and to gain insights into their role in wound healing and angiogenesis. METHODS: Mreg were differentiated using blood monocytes from healthy donors (N = 9) and L-EV(Mreg) were isolated from culture supernatants by differential centrifugation. Characterization of L-EV(Mreg) was performed by cell/vesicle analysis, brightfield/transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flow cytometry and proteome profiling arrays. The impact of L-EV(Mreg) on wound healing and angiogenesis was evaluated by means of scratch and in-vitro tube formation assays. RESULTS: Mreg and L-EV(Mreg) show an average diameter of 13.73 ± 1.33 µm (volume: 1.45 ± 0.44 pl) and 7.47 ± 0.75 µm (volume: 0.22 ± 0.06 pl) respectively. Flow cytometry analyses revealed similarities between Mreg and L-EV(Mreg) regarding their surface marker composition. However, compared to Mreg fewer L-EV(Mreg) were positive for CD31 (P < 0.01), CD206 (P < 0.05), CD103 (P < 0.01) and CD45 (P < 0.05). Proteome profiling suggested that L-EV(Mreg) contain abundant amounts of pro-angiogenic proteins (i.e. interleukin-8, platelet factor 4 and serpin E1). From a functional point of view L-EV(Mreg) positively influenced in-vitro wound healing (P < 0.05) and several pro-angiogenic parameters in tube formation assays (all segment associated parameters, P < 0.05; number of meshes, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: L-EV(Mreg) with regenerative and pro-angiogenic potential can be reproducibly isolated from in-vitro cultured human regulatory macrophages. We propose that L-EV(Mreg) could represent a putative therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic wounds and ischemia-associated diseases. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-023-03900-6.