Platelets in inflammation and atherogenesis

TLDR

Platelets link inflammation, thrombosis, and atherogenesis by interacting with leukocytes and endothelial cells, triggering activation that recruits leukocytes to the vascular wall and drives chronic inflammation leading to atherosclerotic lesions and atherothrombosis. The review aims to highlight the molecular machinery and inflammatory pathways by which platelets initiate and accelerate atherothrombosis. It examines the molecular machinery and inflammatory pathways that platelets use to initiate and accelerate atherothrombosis.

Abstract

Platelets represent an important linkage between inflammation, thrombosis, and atherogenesis. Inflammation is characterized by interactions among platelets, leukocytes, and ECs. These interactions trigger autocrine and paracrine activation processes that lead to leukocyte recruitment into the vascular wall. Platelet-induced chronic inflammatory processes at the vascular wall result in development of atherosclerotic lesions and atherothrombosis. This Review highlights the molecular machinery and inflammatory pathways used by platelets to initiate and accelerate atherothrombosis.