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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Uniform Shear Assay for Human Platelet and Cell Surface Receptors via Cone-plate Viscometry
Published on: June 5, 2019
Platelet influence on T- and B-cell responses.
Jennifer M Sowa1, Scott A Crist, Timothy L Ratliff
1Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Platelets are a significant source of CD154, a molecule crucial for adaptive immunity. This finding suggests platelets may play a larger role in immune responses than previously understood.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Adaptive immunity relies on regulators like CD40 ligand (CD154) for pathogen elimination.
- CD154 on T helper cells is vital for activating dendritic cells and stimulating CD8 T cells, and for T-dependent B-cell responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of platelets as a source of CD154.
- To explore how platelet-derived CD154 influences the adaptive immune compartment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CD154 expression in platelets.
- Investigating the functional impact of platelet-derived CD154 on immune cells (details not provided in abstract).
Main Results:
- Platelets represent an abundant systemic source of CD154.
- Evidence suggests platelet-derived ligands, including CD154, can modulate adaptive immunity.
Conclusions:
- Platelets contribute CD154 to the systemic circulation.
- Platelet CD154 may influence adaptive immune responses, expanding their known functions beyond hemostasis and inflammation.
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