Download PDF
Semin Thromb Hemost 2018; 44(02): 091-101
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1607432
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Platelets as Modulators of Inflammation

Seok-Joo Kim
1   Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
,
Rachelle P. Davis
1   Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
,
Craig N. Jenne
1   Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 November 2017 (online)

   Buy Article Permissions and Reprints
Zoom Image

Abstract

Platelets have classically been considered crucial effector cells in hemostasis, but now are increasingly recognized as players during inflammatory responses in innate and adaptive immunity. Platelets can recognize and kill invading pathogens, and, upon stimulation, also release a wide array of mediators that modify immune and endothelial cell responses. Increased platelet activity can protect the host against infectious insults; however, the excessive activity can lead to inflammation-mediated tissue damage. These critical roles highlight the necessity of balancing the platelet response at the intersection of hemostasis and inflammation. In this review, the authors present the current understanding of the inflammatory role of platelets. They also highlight recent findings on a modulator that links inflammation and deleterious tissue damage in disease pathogenesis.

Keywords

platelets - immunity - inflammation - infection - cancer