Monocytes and B cells Mediate Alterations in the Genetic Association Between Platelets and Sepsis via CLEC signaling pathway

Abstract Background Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by multiple organ dysfunction. Blood cells abnormalities play a significant role in the onset and progression of sepsis; however, the potential causal relationship between platelets and sepsis remains unclear, as does whether immune cells mediate the interaction between platelets and sepsis. This study aims to explore the potential causal relationship between platelets and sepsis and analyze the mediating effect of immune cells. In addition, cell-to-cell communication was analyzed to explore the interaction between blood cells and immune cells. Material and methods In this study, genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were utilized to examine the association between blood cells and sepsis. Two-sample mendelian randomisation (MR) and reverse MR were performed to investigate the potential causal relationship between blood cells and sepsis, with a specific focus on the relationship between platelets and sepsis. Subsequently, two-step MR was employed to identify the immune cells that mediate the interaction between platelets and sepsis and to assess their potential mediating effects. Cellchat software was used to analyze cell-to-cell communication. Results The results of two-sample MR indicated that platelets were negatively correlated with sepsis (OR = 0.976, 95% CI 0.959-0.993, p = 0.005), suggesting that platelets have a protective effect against sepsis. Additionally, reverse MR demonstrated that sepsis had no significant effect on platelets (OR = 0.909, 95% CI 0.156-5.296, p = 0.916). The mediating effect analysis revealed that monocytes and B cells were important mediators in the relationship between platelets and sepsis. Notably, the correlation between platelets and sepsis shifted from negative to positive with the involvement of monocytes and B cells. The number and strength of cell-cell interactions were decreased in sepsis. Monocytes and B cells primarily regulate platelets through the CLEC signaling pathway, contributing to the pathogenesis of sepsis. Conclusion This study confirmed the protective role of platelets in sepsis. Monocytes and B cells mediate changes in the genetic association between platelets and sepsis. Monocytes and B cells primarily interact with platelets via the CLEC pathway, thereby modulating the genetic association between platelets and sepsis. These findings indicate that thrombocytopenia, especially when accompanied by elevated monocytes and B cells, may serve as a potential marker for sepsis.