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Platelets are generated from megakaryocytes in a multi-step process called thrombopoiesis regulated by thrombopoietin. Thrombopoietin stimulates its receptor in megakaryocytes to induce the genesis of pro-platelets via a mechanism activated by low platelet counts. Platelet counts in blood are controlled by the rates of production and removal, involving mechanisms of platelet clearance, activation or ageing. Platelets are the most numerous circulating cell type (≈200,000/µL blood in humans) with an immune function.
α-Granules | ||
No. | Molecule | Function |
1 | PF4 (CXCL4) | Chemokine: Induce leukocyte pro-inflammatory cytokine release in monocyte, neutrophil, and T-cell recruitment; Th differentiation |
2 | P-selectin | Adhesion molecule: Formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregate; Formation of bridges between leukocytes and endothelium |
3 | CD40L | TNF superfamily: antigen-presenting cell activation, B-cell responses, endothelial cell activation |
4 | MIP-1a (CCL3) | Cytokine: neutrophil and eosinophil activation, B-cell immunoglobulin production |
5 | IL-1β | Cytokine: acute phase response, leukocyte and endothelial activation |
6 | RANTES (CCL5) | Chemokine: Promotes monocyte, macrophage and T cell recruitment |
7 | TGF-β | Cytokine: cell proliferation, T-cell differentiation, B-cell and macrophage phenotype regulation |
8 | PDGF | Growth factor: cell growth and differentiation, monocyte/macrophage differentiation |
9 | VWF | Platelet adhesion, PMN extravasation |
10 | CD63 | Tetraspanin: transmembrane adaptor protein, leukocyte recruitment |
11 | SDF-1 | Chemokine: T-cell, monocyte, and PMN chemotaxis |
12 | VEGF | Growth factor: angiogenesis, adhesion molecule expression |
13 | Ppbp β-thromboglobulin (NAP-2) | Chemokine: neutrophil activation and recruitment, macrophage phagocytic activity |
14 | Thrombospondins | Apoptosis, endothelial cell inflammation, macrophage-platelet aggregates |
15 | MMP-2, MMP-9 | Protease: extracellular matrix breakdown, platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation |
16 | Cyclophilin A | Vascular smooth muscle cell growth factor |
18 | CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL7, CXCL12 | Chemokines |
19 | Microbial proteins | Cationic proteins: disrupt cell membrane |
Dense Granule | ||
No. | Molecule | Immune/Inflammatory Role |
1 | Serotonin | DC and T-cell functions |
2 | Glutamate | T-cell trafficking |
3 | Polyphosphates | Inflammatory response amplification |
4 | ADP | Platelet, leukocyte, endothelial cell activation |
5 | Histamine | Increased vessel reactivity and degranulation |
6 | ATP, phosphate, calcium | Fuel cell and co-factors in thrombosis |
7 | Eicosanoids | Pro-inflammatory signals |
Produced Metabolites | ||
No. | Molecule | Immune/Inflammatory Role |
1 | Thromboxane | Eicosanoid: T-cell differentiation, monocyte activation |
2 | Nitric oxide | Reactive oxygen species: anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic |
3 | GPIbα | Adhesion molecule: binds Mac-1 on leukocytes |
4 | TXA2 | Mediator that enhance platelet activation |
5 | S1P | Active metabolite which activate platelets and stimulate mitogenesis |
6 | PAF | Bioactive lipid: induce endothelial migration |
7 | Chrondroitin sulfate | Metabolite released by platelets after trigger complement activation |
8 | LPA | Lipid: ligand of G protein-coupled receptors |
Membrane Receptors | ||
No. | Molecule | Immune/Inflammatory Role |
1 | TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TRL8 and TLR9 | Receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and mediate inflammatory events |
2 | CD40, CD40L | Receptor: Mediator of interactions between lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells |
3 | GPIa, GPIIb/IIIa, GPIc-IIa (VLA-6) | Platelet glycoprotein: adhesion molecules |
4 | GPVI | Collagen receptor: induces powerful platelet activation |
5 | P2X1 | Receptor is involved in platelet shape change and in activation by collagen |
6 | P2Y1, P2Y12 | G-protein receptors: sustain platelet activation in response to ADP |
7 | PAR-1, PAR-4 | Thrombin activates platelets through proteolytic cleavage of PAR receptors |
8 | ICAM-2, | Adhesion molecule |
10 | JAM-A, | Protects from thrombosis by suppressing integrin αIIbβ3 |