Platelet-leukocyte interactions in cardiovascular disease and beyond.
Platelet-leukocyte interactions define a basic cell process that is characterized by the exchange of signals between platelets and different types of leukocytes and that bridges 2 fundamental pathophysiological events: atherothrombosis and inflammatory immune reactions. When this process takes place at the site of atherosclerotic plaque development or at the site of endothelial injury, platelet-dependent leukocyte recruitment and activation contributes to the inflammatory reaction of the vessel wall, which accounts for the exacerbation of atherosclerosis and for intimal hyperplasia and plaque instability. Moreover, platelet-leukocyte interactions may have a key role in modulating a wide array of responses of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and tissue damage, as well as to host defense.
Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Pharmacology, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Via Nazionale 8/A, 66030 Santa Maria Imbaro, Italy.
Licia
L
Totani
Virgilio
V
Evangelista
D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness / Q000187:drug effects; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators