title: New functions for platelets and their pathological implications.
abstract: We have recently demonstrated in Schistosoma mansoni infection that rat and human platelets could very efficiently kill parasite larvae, both in vivo and in vitro. The study of this IgE-dependent platelet effector function has led us to several subsequent findings. They concern: (1) the existence of a specific receptor for IgE on the platelet surface; (2) its close association with a platelet membrane glycoprotein of essential functional importance, the GPIIb-IIIa complex; (3) the observation, in extrinsic allergic asthma, of an allergen-specific IgE-dependent platelet activation; (4) the identification, in aspirin-sensitive asthma, of a similar, but non-IgE-dependent, platelet activation selectively induced by cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, and prevented by salicylate. Beyond their implication in anti-parasite immunity, these findings provide a basis for new insights on the participation of platelets in disease.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Capron
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ameisen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Auriault
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Tonnel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Caen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001241:Aspirin / Q000276:immunology; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D051381:Rats; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000276:immunology; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D001241:Aspirin