Platelets as immune cells in infectious diseases.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hematology

Background:

• Platelets (PLTs) are primarily known for hemostasis but possess significant immunological functions.
• They interact with pathogens and inflammation, employing antimicrobial mechanisms and communicating with other immune cells.
• Pathogens have evolved strategies to manipulate platelet functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted interactions between platelets and various pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites).
• To elucidate the networking of platelets with innate and adaptive immune cells during infection.
• To discuss the implications of these interactions in disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on platelet-pathogen and platelet-immune cell interactions.
• Analysis of mechanisms underlying platelet immune responses.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on the role of platelets in infection pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Platelets recognize and respond to a wide array of pathogens via diverse receptor molecules.
• They engage in extensive crosstalk with neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells.
• Pathogen manipulation of platelet functions can lead to either beneficial host defense or detrimental pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Platelets are crucial players in host defense against infections, bridging innate and adaptive immunity.
• The balance of platelet activity in infections is critical, with dysregulation contributing to pathogenesis.
• Understanding platelet-pathogen-immune cell networks offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases.