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(Circulation Research. 2007;100:27.)
© 2007 American Heart Association, Inc.

Reviews

Platelets as Immune Cells

Bridging Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease

Philipp von Hundelshausen, Christian Weber

From the Institute of Cardiovascular Molecular Research, University Hospital of the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule, Aachen, Germany.

Correspondence to Dr Christian Weber, Institut für Kardiovaskuläre Molekularbiologie, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. E-mail cweber{at}ukaachen.de

This Review is part of a thematic series on Mechanisms, Models, and In Vivo Imaging of Thrombus Formation, which includes the following articles:

Activation of Platelet Function Through G Protein–Coupled Receptors

Platelets as Immune Cells: Bridging Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease

In Vivo Thrombus Formation

Platelet Adhesion

Platelet Inhibitors and Thrombus Formation
Bernhard Nieswandt and Ulrich Walter Guest Editors

Beyond an eminent role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are characterized by expert functions in assisting and modulating inflammatory reactions and immune responses. This is achieved by the regulated expression of adhesive and immune receptors on the platelet surface and by the release of a multitude of secretory products including inflammatory mediators and cytokines, which can mediate the interaction with leukocytes and enhance their recruitment. In addition, platelets are characterized by an enormous surface area and open canalicular system, which in concert with specialized recognition receptors may contribute to the engulfment of serum components, antigens, and pathogens. Platelet-dependent increases in leukocyte adhesion may not only account for an exacerbation of atherosclerosis, for arterial repair processes, but also for lymphocyte trafficking during adaptive immunity and host defense. This review compiles a selection of platelet-derived tools for bridging inflammation and vascular disease and highlights the molecular key components governing platelet-mediated mechanisms operative in immune surveillance, vascular remodeling, and atherosclerosis.

Key Words: platelets • inflammation • cardiovascular disease • chemokines • adhesion molecules

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