Platelet-mediated modulation of adaptive immunity.
Besides being the main cellular effectors of hemostasis, platelets possess a plethora of intracellular mediators (e.g. cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial molecules) as well as surface receptors (e.g. P-selectin, integrins, CD40L, intercellular adhesion molecule [ICAM]-2, junctional adhesion molecule [JAM]-A, CD44, Toll-like receptors, chemokine receptors) known for their involvement in inflammatory and immune responses. These aspects of platelet biology, which suggest an evolutionary link to a more primitive multifunctional innate defensive cell, position platelets at the interface between coagulation and immunity. Whereas platelet functions in direct antimicrobial defense and in the enhancement of innate immunity are being increasingly recognized, platelet-mediated modulation of adaptive immunity is often underappreciated by the immunological community. By using mouse models of viral hepatitis as a paradigmatic example, we will review here how platelets coordinate adaptive immune responses and suggest possible clinical implications.
Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, Milan, 20132, Italy. Electronic address: iannacone.matteo@hsr.it.
Matteo
M
Iannacone
D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D002633:Chemotaxis / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D056747:Immunomodulation; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D016207:Cytokines; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors