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Platelet Activation and the Immune Response to Tuberculosis
Daniela E Kirwan1, Deborah L W Chong1, Jon S Friedland1
1Institute for Infection & Immunity, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Immunology
|June 7, 2021
Summary
Platelets play a significant role in tuberculosis (TB) immunopathology, contributing to tissue damage via matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Targeting platelets may offer new host-directed therapies for TB treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) causes significant global morbidity and mortality.
- Tissue destruction in active TB is driven by host immune responses, particularly matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence implicating platelets in TB immunopathology.
- To explore the potential of anti-platelet agents as host-directed therapies for TB.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on platelets and TB.
- Analysis of platelet counts, gene expression, and cellular interactions in TB patients.
Main Results:
- TB patients exhibit elevated platelet counts correlating with disease severity.
- Platelets interact with immune cells, like monocytes, increasing MMP secretion and tissue damage.
- Platelet-associated gene transcripts are elevated in TB patients.
Conclusions:
- Platelets are key contributors to TB-associated tissue damage through MMPs.
- Targeting platelets represents a promising strategy for novel host-directed TB therapies.
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