Small cells, big effects: the role of platelets in transplant vasculopathy

Platelets are the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but also represent an important part of the immune system. Platelets store numerous pre-formed inflammatory molecules in their granules and produce immune mediators de novo upon stimulation. Activated platelets express adhesion molecules that can in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis 2014-01, Vol.37 (1), p.17-23
Main Authors: Modjeski, Kristina L., Morrell, Craig N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Blood Platelets - physiology
Cardiology
Endothelium, Vascular - immunology
Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism
Endothelium, Vascular - pathology
Graft Rejection - immunology
Graft Rejection - metabolism
Heart Transplantation - adverse effects
Hematology
Humans
Immunity, Cellular - physiology
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Platelet Activation - physiology
Vascular Diseases - diagnosis
Vascular Diseases - immunology
Vascular Diseases - metabolism
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Summary:Platelets are the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but also represent an important part of the immune system. Platelets store numerous pre-formed inflammatory molecules in their granules and produce immune mediators de novo upon stimulation. Activated platelets express adhesion molecules that can interact with endothelial cells and leukocytes both at the site of inflammatory insult and in the circulation. Platelets therefore drive and potentiate vascular inflammation by direct and indirect interactions with both endothelial cells and leukocytes. Platelet activation has been associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and cerebral malaria, in addition to transplant vasculopathy. In this review we will discuss immune roles for platelets in the context of transplant vascular inflammation.
ISSN:0929-5305
1573-742X
DOI:10.1007/s11239-013-0999-4