Nouvelle cuisine: platelets served with inflammation
Rick Kapur1, Anne Zufferey2, Eric Boilard3
1Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada; Canadian Blood Services, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada;
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|June 7, 2015
Summary
Platelets, crucial for blood clotting, also play a significant role in infection and inflammation. This review explores their immune functions beyond hemostasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Platelets are primarily known for hemostasis.
- Emerging evidence highlights platelet involvement in infection and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the non-hemostatic functions of platelets in inflammatory settings.
- To emphasize the immune roles of platelets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on platelet immunology.
- Analysis of platelet characteristics relevant to immune responses.
Main Results:
- Platelets bind pathogens and secrete immunomodulatory molecules.
- Platelet receptors like TLRs detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns.
- Platelets contain translatable RNA and release microparticles with inflammatory cargo.
Conclusions:
- Platelets possess significant non-hemostatic immune functions.
- Platelet activity is crucial in infection and inflammation.
- Thrombocytopenia can occur during acute infections due to platelet consumption.
Related Concept Videos
Structure and Function of Platelets
5.9K
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
5.9K
Formation of the Platelet Plug
10.9K
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
10.9K
Inflammation
65.2K
Overview
65.2K
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
1.5K
Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
1.5K
Introduction to Hemostasis
17.9K
Hemostasis is a complex physiological process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. It's crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system, as it ensures that our blood remains fluid while still within the vascular network and yet clots to prevent blood loss upon vessel injury.
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized,...
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized,...
17.9K
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
2.5K
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.5K


