Pathological roles of platelets in inflammatory diseases: The emerging targets for new drug development

Abstract

Platelets, the cytoplasmic fragments of megakaryocytes, play a primary role in hemostasis. In addition, current evidence demonstrates the contribution of platelets in inflammation. Platelet-associated cell surface proteins (e.g. CD40L, P-selectin, GPVI and CLEC-2) and secretory molecules (e.g. PF4 and RANTES) regulate inflammatory response in various conditions, including cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and infection/sepsis. Anti-platelets and anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to reduce the expression and/or function of these platelet-derived molecules, in association with the improved clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory diseases. Moreover, the novel anti-inflammatory agents that act against platelet-specific targets have been being developed, which might be a potential therapeutic approach in thrombo-inflammatory diseases.