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Published on: February 14, 2017
Platelets: essential components of the immune system
Ramadan A Ali1, Leah M Wuescher1, Randall G Worth1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
Platelets are anucleate cell fragments known for their central role in coagulation and vascular integrity. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that platelets contribute to diverse immunological processes extending beyond the traditional view of platelets as fragmentary mediators of hemostasis and thrombosis. There is recent evidence that platelets participate in: 1) intervention against microbial threats; 2) recruitment and promotion of innate effector cell functions; 3) modulating antigen presentation; and 4) enhancement of adaptive immune responses. In this way, platelets should be viewed as the underappreciated orchestrator of the immune system. This review will discuss recent and historical evidence regarding how platelets influence both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Platelets are anucleate cell fragments known for their central role in coagulation and vascular integrity. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that platelets contribute to diverse immunological processes extending beyond the traditional view of platelets as fragmentary mediators of hemostasis and thrombosis. There is recent evidence that platelets participate in: 1) intervention against microbial threats; 2) recruitment and promotion of innate effector cell functions; 3) modulating antigen presentation; and 4) enhancement of adaptive immune responses. In this way, platelets should be viewed as the underappreciated orchestrator of the immune system. This review will discuss recent and historical evidence regarding how platelets influence both innate and adaptive immune responses.
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