P-Selectin and Platelet-Monocyte Interaction in Inflammation: Mechanisms, Hypothesis, and Open Questions

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vascular Biology
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Inflammation is crucial but chronic activation causes disease.
• Platelets are key immune modulators, not just for clotting.
• Platelet-monocyte interactions are central to inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review P-selectin-mediated platelet-monocyte interactions in inflammation.
• To integrate mechanistic pathways in sterile and non-sterile inflammation.
• To discuss P-selectin signaling's role in metabolic reprogramming and immunothrombosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of P-selectin-mediated platelet-monocyte interactions.
• Analysis of mechanistic pathways in diverse pathological contexts.
• Synthesis of current hypotheses and emerging evidence.

Main Results:

• Platelet P-selectin and monocyte PSGL-1 interaction forms aggregates.
• These aggregates are implicated in atherosclerosis, obesity, sepsis, and viral infections.
• P-selectin signaling influences metabolic reprogramming, vascular dysfunction, and immunothrombosis.

Conclusions:

• P-selectin-dependent platelet-leukocyte interactions are a common axis in inflammation.
• These interactions are critical in both sterile and non-sterile inflammatory diseases.
• Targeting P-selectin pathways presents promising therapeutic opportunities.