The Immune Nature of Platelets Revisited

Abstract

Platelets are the primary cellular mediators of hemostasis and this function firmly acquaints them with a variety of inflammatory processes. For example, platelets can act as circulating sentinels by expressing Toll-like receptors (TLR) that bind pathogens and this allows platelets to effectively kill them or present them to cells of the immune system. Furthermore, activated platelets secrete and express many pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules that attract and capture circulating leukocytes and direct them to inflamed tissues. In addition, platelets can directly influence adaptive immune responses via secretion of, for example, CD40 and CD40L molecules. Platelets are also the source of most of the microvesicles in the circulation and these miniscule elements further enhance the platelet’s ability to communicate with the immune system. More recently, it has been demonstrated that platelets and their parent cells, the megakaryocytes (MK), can also uptake, process and present both foreign and self-antigens to CD8+ T-cells conferring on them the ability to directly alter adaptive immune responses. This review will highlight several of the non-hemostatic attributes of platelets that clearly and rightfully place them as integral players in immune reactions.

Introduction

Platelets are anucleate cell fragments derived from MK in the bone marrow (BM) and are key players in hemostasis [1]. They are the second most abundant cell in the circulation (150–400 × 10⁹/L, [2] and thus, well situated to rapidly respond to vascular damage and attract leukocytes to sites of injury [3]. It has also become clear that platelets elicit several non-hemostatic immune functions [[4], [5], [6]]. For example, platelets are capable of direct pathogen binding by expressing pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) receptors and thus mediate anti-infective immunity [7,8]; they can kill pathogens by both encapsulation and anti-microbial peptides [[9], [10], [11]].

Platelets also contribute to innate immunity to affect adaptive immune responses and they do so by expressing a wide range of functional immune receptors [12]. These receptors enable interactions with immune cells at the vascular endothelium and in the red pulp of the spleen [13]. For example, platelets contain the largest pool of circulating Fc gamma receptor IIA (FcγRIIA) [14,15] and this allows them to interact with immune complexes and ultimately form platelet-leukocyte aggregates that can immobilize pathogens [16].

Evidence suggests that platelets also directly influence adaptive immune processes. For example, platelets express functional CD40L (CD154) [17] and they contain a diverse spectrum of RNA species [[18], [19], [20], [21], [22]] packaged into platelet microvesicles (PMV) which are abundant in blood and transfused blood products [23,24]. PMV extend the platelet’s immunomodulation capabilities and their presence is implicated in several autoimmune diseases. Perhaps more intriguing is that platelets and their parent cells, the MK, can act as antigen presenting cells and are able to stimulate T-cells against foreign and self-antigens [4,5,11].

How platelets possess all their different immune functions is unknown. One theory suggests an evolutionary link between platelets and invertebrate hemocytes, which not only protect arthropods from pathogens but also clot hemolymph at sites of exoskeletal breach [25]; perhaps a divergence occurred during platelet evolution where they retained some of the immune properties of the hemocyte [25]. On the other hand, increasing evidence suggests platelets may acquire their immune properties from MK [25]. For example, emperipolesis is a rare phenomenon where an intact cell is found within the cytoplasm of another cell. Cunin et al elegantly demonstrated that neutrophils can enter the MK cytoplasm in membrane-bound vesicles and once inside the MK, they transfer parts of their membrane to the MK and then to platelets [26,27] This process results in circulating platelets bearing membranes from non-MK donor cells and this perhaps adds to the platelet’s immune function [26,27]

It is now evident that platelets play a pivotal role connecting inflammation, immunity, and vascular integrity and modulate immunological processes. This review will summarize the two major non-hemostatic roles that platelets play; their anti-infective nature and their ability to immunomodulate the innate and adaptive immune systems.

The Anti-Infective Nature of Platelets

Platelet Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR)

Platelets from several species express PRRs such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLR) [28,29] which detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from pathogens [30,31] (Table 1 ). For example, platelet TLR4 binds to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and in vivo, induces production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, soluble CD40L (sCD40L) and interleukin (IL)-1β, however, different LPS moieties appear to cause differential cytokine release [[32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37], [38], [39], [40], [41]]. TLR4 has also been shown to augment platelet-neutrophil aggregates, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (NETosis) and bacterial trapping in sepsis [42]. Intriguingly, platelet TLR4 can both inhibit and augment neutrophil responses. Co-culture of platelets with neutrophils and TLR4 agonists increased neutrophil CD62L expression, phagocytosis and IL-8 secretion but reduced CD62L shedding and elastase secretion [43]. It is now clear that platelet TLR4 is critical for orchestrating neutrophil responses against invading pathogens and the source of LPS determines their ultimate effect on leukocytes.

Table 1.

Platelet Toll-like receptors and their ligands

Receptor	Ligand	Functions	References
TOLL LIKE RECEPTORS (TLRs)
TLR2 (with TLR1 or TLR6)	Many non-TLR molecules and PAMPs Lipoprotein/lipopeptides, peptidoglycan, lipoteichoic acid, etc	Mice  - CD62P and integrin αIIbβ3 surface expression, platelet-neutrophil complex formation, and neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis of periodontopathogens.  - (CD62P/PSGL-1, CD40L/CD40, GP-IIb–IIIa/CD11b) involvement or platelet cytokines.	[185] [186]
		Human  - Heterodimer formation with TLR1/TLR6 regulating innate immune response to bacterial lipoproteins or lipopeptides. Acts via MyD88 and TRAF6, leading to NF-kappa-B activation, cytokine secretion and inflammatory response	[187]
TLR4	LPS, HSP60, commensal bacteria Most abundantly expressed TLR on PLTs CD14-dependent response to bacterial LPS	Mice  - Complex formation with MD-2 molecule, enabling binding to LPS  - Heterodimer formation with TLR6 leads to NF-kappa-B-dependent production of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CCL9 cytokines, via MyD88 signaling pathway, and CCL5 cytokine, via TICAM1 signaling pathway.	[188] [189]
		Human  - TRAF-6 stimulation and de novo synthesis of IL1-β. TRAF-6 activation, phosphorylation of Akt and JNK  - Increased TLR4 expression in synergistic combination with CD62P, enables LPS binding	[190,191] [192,193]
TLR7	Synthetic compounds (the immune response modifiers) Endosomal receptor Interaction with Imiquimod, homology to TLR8	Mice  - Host immune response through recognition of ssRNAs of viral origin or guanosine analogs, formation of neutrophil-platelet aggregates and neutrophil DNA release	[194] [195]
		Human  - Upon binding to agonists, recruitment of TIR-containing downstream adapter MyD88 through homotypic interaction  - Activation of NF-kappa-B and IRF7: proinflammatory cytokines and interferons	[194] [196]
TLR9	CpG-DNA	Mice  - Receptor for CpG bacterial DNA  - Binding of carboxy (alkylpyrrole) protein adducts CAPs to TLR9 induce platelet activation and aggregation	[50]
		Human  - Acts via MyD88 and TRAF6, leading to NF-kappa-B activation, cytokine secretion and inflammatory response	[50]

Detection of PAMPs is an efficient host defense feature of platelets to ensure a rapid response to infections [44]. Platelet TLR2 recognizes bacterial lipopeptides together with TLR1 and TLR6 [45] and TLR2 stimulation induces the formation of platelet-neutrophil aggregates and phagocytosis of bacteria [46,47]. On the other hand, platelet TLR7 senses ssRNA and can enhance the uptake of viruses such as Influenza that leads to neutrophil NETosis [48,49]. In addition, platelet TLRs binds damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as carboxy (alkylpyrrole) protein adducts (CAPs) and these are elevated in several pathological conditions e.g. diabetes and atherosclerosis; CAP-binding to platelets induces platelet activation and aggregation [50]. Table 1 summarizes the platelet TLRs and their various effects on immunity.

Platelets and Their Interactions with Viruses

Thrombocytopenia is associated with many infections and severe forms of thrombocytopenia during sepsis are usually a poor prognostic marker suggesting platelets are key players in septic patients [[51], [52], [53], [54]]. How thrombocytopenia occurs is still a matter of debate; it is mediated by consumption, sequestration or bone marrow production faults. With respect to viral infections, platelets have the ability to engulf viruses through a wide array of expressed molecules (Figure 1 ). For example, Banerjee et al have shown that platelets use dynamin and vesicle-associated membrane protein-3 (VAMP) to take up and traffic HIV-1 intracellularly [11]. It appears that HIV trafficked through endosomes causing platelet activation and platelet/leukocyte aggregate formation in vitro; in vivo, infection lead to platelet-leukocyte aggregates and mild thrombocytopenia [11]. These data are consistent with the notion that platelets can sample the circulation and act as infectious sentinels.

Figure 1.

Platelets, via several cell surface and internalized receptor molecules, can readily bind to and uptake many different viruses. Platelet receptors for viruses: platelets and viruses can directly interact via a plethora of surface receptors. CMV binds to platelets via TLR2, EMCV interacts via TLR7, rotavirus utilizes GPIa/IIa to bind to platelets and Hantavirus and adenovirus interact with platelets via GPIIb/IIIa. EBV–platelet interaction occurs via CR2. HIV and DV bind to lectin receptors such as CLEC-2 and DC-SIGN. HIV further interacts with CXCR4 and CCL3 and CCL5. Platelets express the Coxsackie virus-specific receptor, CAR, and HCV interacts with platelets via GPVI. CAR, Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor; CLEC-2, C-type lectin domain family 2; CCL, chemokine (C–C motif) ligand;

CMV, cytomegalovirus; CR, complement receptor; CXCR4, C–X–C chemokine receptor type 4; EBV, Epstein–Barr virus; EMCV, encephalomyocarditis virus; DC-SIGN, DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grapping non-integrin; DV, Dengue virus; FcγRII, Fc receptor γ II; GP, glycoprotein; HCV, hepatitis virus C; HIV, human immunodeficient virus; IgG, immunoglobulin G; TLR, toll-like receptor. Adapted from [210].

CLEC-2 is a CLR expressed on platelets [55,56] and was identified to promote platelet aggregation [57]. Another CLR, dendritic cell (DC)-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-Sign) also interacts with several pathogens. For example, platelet CLEC2 binds HIV via DC-SIGN and this interaction facilitates viral dissemination [58] whereas it is also responsible for mediating immunothrombosis during bacterial infections [59,60]. These receptors allow platelets to bind to several other viruses such as Dengue virus (DENV), Ebola, and Hepatitis C [58,61,62]. Platelet DC-Sign not only binds DENV but once engulfed, the virus undergoes replication and platelets act as a source of nascent viral production [63,64]. In addition, DENV infected individuals become thrombocytopenic and this may be related to bone marrow suppression. Vogt et al utilized three models of DENV infection and replication; a human MK cell line, primary human MKs and in vivo, a humanized MK mouse model. They found that DENV infection and replication was supported in all three models suggesting that MK harbor the virus, which results in lower platelet production [65]. Altogether, these data suggest that blocking platelet/virus interactions could be a novel therapeutic option for acute viral infections.

One of the most interesting aspects of how platelets attack viruses is their ability to neutralize virions with intracellularly stored IgG molecules. Schrottmaier et al. demonstrated that platelets from anti-virus sero-positive donors harbor IgG molecules specific for the virus (e.g. Influenza A and Cytomegalovirus) and they can release the IgG to neutralize them [66]. It suggests that platelet-derived IgG represents a novel mechanism to potentiate anti-viral humoral immunity [66]. In addition, platelets can be activated through their FcγRIIA by immune complexes (IC) formed in immune hosts by different bacteria and virus [67]. This leads to granule release, temporary sequestration of platelets primarily in the lung and brain vasculature and this appears to be dependent on integrin αIIbβ3 engagement [[67], [68], [69]]

MKs can also be involved in anti-viral immunity and this may be how platelets acquire their art of dealing with viruses. Campbell et al. examined anti-viral genes in MK during DENV and influenza infections [70]. They found that interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), an anti-viral immune gene, was significantly elevated in platelets from infected patients and lower IFITM3 expression correlated with increased mortality [70]. Interestingly, infecting MKs with DENV selectively also increased IFITM3 and overexpression of IFITM3 in cultured MKs enhanced the MK’s resistance to DENV infection [70]. Thus, MKs possess significant anti-viral activity and this may be at least one reason for their daughter’s potent armaments [71].

In 2019, the novel coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged and the infection has caused a global pandemic of potentially severe pulmonary disease termed COVID-19 [72]. Interestingly, asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 cases are either not thrombocytopenic or have mild thrombocytopenia, however, those patients with severe disease can present with significant thrombocytopenia and this is a grave prognosis [73]. Platelets have been suggested to play a role in the COVID-19 although it is still unclear whether they effectively interact with SARS-CoV-2 [74]. For example, Hottz et al. studied participation of platelets in COVID-19 pathogenesis and demonstrated increased platelet activation and platelet-monocyte aggregation in critically ill COVID-19 patients [75]. Platelet-monocyte interaction was associated with tissue factor (TF) expression by the monocytes [75]. Thus, COVID-19 is associated with platelet hyper-reactivity, which may contribute to immunothrombosis. On the other hand, Manne et al. showed that platelets and MK are RNA- and protein-negative for angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) [76], the putative SARS-CoV-2 receptor [77]. In contrast, however, Zaid et al challenged this concept by showing that platelets do indeed express ACE-2 mRNA [78]. Whether ACE-2 is expressed by platelets or not will require further examination, however, even without ACE-2, platelets can still potentially interact with SARS-CoV-2 via their expression of TLR7 and 9. This would require cell entry by another receptor i.e. CRLs [79]. Platelets could also possibly activate through FcγRIIA engagement of ICs formed in patients with cross-reacting antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 [69]. Thus, it is quite possible that platelets play a significant role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.

Platelet-Derived β-Defensins, Thrombocidins, and Other Antimicrobial Molecules

β-Defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptides found in platelets and they directly inhibit bacterial growth via membrane disruption and promote NETosis [80]. Platelets can surround Staphylococcus aureus, clustering the bacteria to inhibit growth and then release β-defensins to induce NETosis [80]. These data suggest that platelet-derived β-defensins display classic antimicrobial activity and signal NETosis to capture bacterial. Thrombocidins were originally purified from platelet granules and were characterized to be truncated variants of the CXC chemokine, neutrophil-activating peptide-2 (NAP-2) [81]. They effectively kill several bacterial strains including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis and are fungicidal for Cryptococcus neoformans [81]. Although little work has been performed on these molecules, it emphasizes that the platelet chemokine ordnance may be critical to its anti-infectious activities.

Platelets contain the cytokine IL-β and they can release it or package it into PMV in response to bacterial LPS or viral infection [[82], [83], [84]]. Secretion of IL-1β by platelets leads to increased phagocytosis of bacteria and further IL-1β production by macrophages [85]. In addition, platelet expression of GPIb readily dictates the fate of bacterial immune responses via C3b-opsonization [86,87]. Normally, C3b-opsonized bacteria are destroyed by macrophages in the spleen, however, if platelets bind to the bacteria via GPIb, the platelet-bacteria complexes are shunted to splenic DCs and this induces an adaptive immune response [86,87]. It is now clear that platelets have the ability to interact with a large variety of pathogens via the expression of several anti-infective molecules. These molecules enable platelets to directly kill pathogens and to engulf and harbor them for interactions with immune cells. Because of this, it is no wonder that platelets have been termed circulating infectious sentinels.

The Immunoregulatory Nature of Platelets

Transfusion-Related Immunomodulation (TRIM)

Transfusion of platelets has long been implicated in mediating TRIM [88,89] and does so independently of leukocytes [90]. Platelets are decorated with plasma-adsorbed denatured Class I molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) [91,92]. These truncated molecules are unable to evoke functional allogeneic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs) in vitro [93] and allogenic platelet transfusions significantly enhance donor-matched skin graft survival, a process exclusively mediated by CTL [90]. It is possible that the adsorbed defective MHC-I molecules induce CTL anergy via faulty engagement with their T-cell receptor [90]. These results were corroborated with blood bank stored human platelets where several platelet-derived molecules including sCD40L, soluble OX40 ligand (sOX40L), sMHC-I and sFASL increased upon storage and caused significant immunomodulatory effects in vitro [[94], [95], [96], [97]]. In addition, platelet transfusions could rescue reduced platelet counts in a murine model of CTL-mediated immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) [98]. It appears that allogenic platelets specifically modulate CD8+ T regulatory (Treg) cells that correlated with increased platelet counts [98]. Related to this, Ki et al showed that stored platelet concentrates (PC) affect myeloid DC in several different infection models. PC caused differential regulation of the co-stimulatory molecules, CD80, CD83, and CD86 and production of several cytokines depending on the infection model [99]. These changes are a reason of how platelets can indirectly affect T-cell responses via altered antigen processing/presentation mechanisms [4]. In conclusion, although platelet transfusions are beneficial, they can modulate the immune system in several ways that can lead to adverse events [[100], [101], [102]].

The Platelet CD40L/CD40 Axis

Like the immune system, platelets sense danger; they are the first cells to detect endothelial injury because of their incredible mass in the circulation. Stable adhesion to collagen leads to platelet aggregation and promotes release of an array of platelet agonists leading to further activation and release of CD62P, CD63, cytokines and CD40L [[103], [104], [105]]. CD40L was first described on T-cells and is a critical co-stimulatory signal development and function of the immune system [106]. Identification of platelet CD40L was an early observation suggesting platelets express factors not only involved in hemostasis, but also immunity and the sheer number of blood platelets makes them the predominant source of CD40L in the circulation [17,103]. Platelet CD40L induces endothelial cells (EC) to secrete chemokines (IL-8 and MCP-1) and express adhesion molecules (E-selectin, VCAM and ICAM-1) and this causes recruitment of leukocytes and formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates in areas of vascular inflammation [17,[107], [108], [109], [110]]. For example, platelet CD40L induces production of IL-6 and IL-12 from DCs as well as increasing their expression of CD80, CD86 and ICAM-1 [7]. It has also been demonstrated that platelet-CD40L can enhance DC maturation and their ability to directly kill Staphylococcus aureus which leads to efficient adaptive immunity against the bacterium [111]. Furthermore, platelet CD40L can induce isotype switching in B-cells and augments CD8+ T-cell responses; hence, functioning as a bridge to the adaptive immune system [7]. Platelet CD40L is also cleaved from the platelet’s surface to generate sCD40L or it is packaged into platelet microvesicles (PMV) that are released into the circulation for dissemination and distal control of immunity [112,113]. In a cohort of patients with SLE, for example, circulating CD40L positively correlated with a higher percentage of platelets bound to IgA+ and/or IgG+ B lymphocytes and severe disease [114].

Platelets also express CD40 and integrin αIIbβ3, receptors for CD40L and can respond to CD40L thus creating feedback loops, making them key players in inflammatory processes [108,112,115]. For example, CD40L bearing T-cells can activate platelets to secrete CCL5 (RANTES) and cause T-cell adhesion on human intestinal microvascular EC (HIMECs) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [109,116]. Furthermore, platelet CD40 recruits leukocytes to induce inflammation at sites of vascular injury suggesting that they play pivotal roles in neointima formation after damage [117]. Understanding the role of platelet CD40L/CD40 and the effects on different immune cells and disease conditions should continue to lead to important discoveries in platelet-immune interactions. Figure 2 summarizes the various effects of platelet CD40L and CD40 interactions with leukocytes.

Figure 2.

Pleiotropic effects by which platelet membrane CD40/CD40L might modulate interactions between immune cells. Platelets can interact with numerous immune cells such as B-cells, T-cells, macrophages, neutrophils, EC, natural killer cells and DC. Communications with these cells can induce a spectrum of immune-related events. Th, T-helper; Treg, regulatory cell; NK, Natural Killer cell; DC, Dendritic cell.

Platelet-Derived Chemokines

Adding to their repository of immunomodulatory molecules, platelets store many chemokines and cytokines within their granules [118](Table 2 ). They also express several chemokine/cytokine receptors making them capable of detecting signals from virtually all chemokine/cytokine groups produced at sites of inflammation [119,120].

Table 2.

Platelet chemokine /cytokine receptors

Chemokine/cytokine receptors
Chemokines	Ligands	Functions	References
CCR1	CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13–16	- Significant platelet activation and granule release - T cell and monocyte migration - Binding to MIP-1-alpha, RANTES, and less efficiently, to MIP-1-beta or MCP-1	[197]
CCR3	CCL5, CCL7; CCL11, CCL15–16, CCL24, CCL26	- Eosinophil and basophil migration - Signal transduction by increasing intracellular calcium ions level	[198] [199]
CCR4	CCL17, CCL22	- High affinity for the C-C type chemokines - Activity mediated by G(i) protein activating phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system.	[200]
CXCR1	CXCL6, CXCL7, CXCL8	- Receptor to interleukin-8 [201] - Neutrophil activation	[202]
CXCR4	CXCL12	- MAPK1/MAPK3 activation and AKT signaling cascade - Cell migration regulation (wound healing) - LPS-induced inflammatory response, including TNF secretion	[203] [204]
CYTOKINES
IFNGR	IFN-Gamma	- Phagocytes Activation, antigen presentation and Th1 cytokine expression - Regulates other cytokines - JAK/STAT signaling pathway	[205] [206]
TNFR	TNF-Alpha	- Most of TNF-alpha metabolic effects - TNF–TNFR regulate frequency of effector and/or memory CD4+ or CD8+ T cells	[207]
TGF-Beta R	TGF-Beta	- Transmembrane ser/thr kinase - Cell cycle arrest in hematopoietic cells and wound healing - TRAF6 autoubiquitination, apoptosis.	[208]
IL1R	IL1-Beta	- Chemotactic for PMNs (IL-1,8) and fibroblasts (IL-4) - Adapter molecule recruitment: TOLLIP, MyD88, and IRAK1 or IRAK2 - IL1B-mediated costimulation of IFNG production from Th1 cells	[205] [209]

The platelet chemokine CXCL4 or Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is highly expressed in platelets and influences several inflammatory processes [121]. Together with CCL5, platelet CXCL4 enhances the arrest of monocytes on EC under flow conditions [122] and promotes monocyte survival, chemotaxis and differentiation [[123], [124], [125], [126]]. CXCL4 appears to play a central role in platelet immunity and has been shown to be critical in protection against, for example, influenza infection [127]. Of interest, Middleton et al observed significantly elevated levels of PF4 (and RANTES) that trigger NETosis in patients with severe COVID-19 [128]. These data suggest that platelet PF4 and NETs may contribute to a thrombo-inflammatory cascade and hypercoagulability in patients with severe COVID-19.

Another abundant platelet chemokine is CXCL7, which can be degraded to give rise to several chemotactic and anti-infectious derivatives such as NAP-2. NAP-2 is a potent neutrophil activator/chemoattractant [[129], [130], [131], [132]] and facilitates neutrophil migration through platelet thrombi [133]; platelet CXCL7 is critical in managing neutrophil recruitment in response to vascular injury [134]. It was also shown to be increased in the bronchoalveolar fluid of mice suffering from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) consistent with activated platelets moving from the circulation into the lung [135]; these platelets were responsible for inducing pulmonary NETosis and lung damage [135]

The release of chemokines from platelets influences a wide range of processes such as inflammation, wound healing [136], tumor metastasis [137] and induction of immune tolerance [138]. This places them in a central role as first responders to danger and as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity (Table 2).

Platelet Antigen Presenting Cell (APC) Interactions

Platelets can directly interact with DC via CD62P/CD162 and this influences DC maturation and enhances their production of the Th2 helper chemokine CCL17 [139,140]. Alternatively, direct CD40/CD40L-dependent interactions between platelets and DC increases the latter’s ability to uptake and kill bacteria [111]. In addition, firm adhesion of platelets to DCs through MAC-1 (integrin alfaMbeta2, CD11b/CD18,) and Junctional Adhesion Molecule-C (JAM-C) leads to enhanced phagocytosis [141,142]. Moreover, platelet release of CXCL4 and sCD40L influences DCs to upregulate co-stimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokine release [142,143]. Together these interactions between platelets and DCs stimulate antigen processing/presentation and the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells thereby significantly promoting adaptive immunity [143]. From a therapeutic perspective, Xu et al [144] determined that vincristine-loaded platelets (VLP) opsonized with an anti-CD41 antibody could significantly reduce macrophage phagocytosis in vitro [144]. This suggests that platelets may be utilized to specifically interact with APC and modulate their functional capabilities.

Platelet Interactions with T-Cells and Their Ability to Act as APC

The homing of T-cells from the circulation to lymph nodes is a central mechanism in immunity and this process is facilitated by platelets via adhesion to high endothelial venules by CD62P [145]. Platelets can also recruit T-cells to sites of vascular injury [116,146] and platelet CXCL4 has been shown to promote CD4+ Th17 cells [147]. On the other hand, PMVs prevented differentiation of CD4+ Tregs into Th17 cells in a P-selectin dependent manner [148]. It appears that the PMV selectively bind to a subset of memory-like Tregs and using CXCR3, inhibit Treg proliferation. These findings are important as they open up the possibility that PMVs critically regulate the immune response at sites of inflammation [148].

Antigen presentation to T lymphocytes via MHC-I molecules is another central aspect of T-cell immunity. Platelets are estimated to harbor approximately 80,000 MHC-I molecules on their surface [92], however, there are controversies regarding the functionality and origin of these molecules on platelets [93]. Nonetheless, it is now known that platelets (and MK) contain all the molecules necessary for antigen processing and presentation to CD8+ T-cells including a complete proteasome [149,150] and co-stimulatory molecules [151,152]. Although the platelet’s surface contains mainly denatured MHC-I molecules, intracellularly, platelets have a large pool of fully intact functional MHC-I molecules that are expressed upon activation.

Earlier reports showed that peptides from platelet GP1b could be presented on platelet MHC-I in patients with ITP [153]. In a subsequent report, it was shown that platelets could functionally present ovalbumin (OVA) and malarial peptides to activate CD8+ T-cells [151]. Confirming this report, it was shown that MK also process and present OVA and GPIIIa self-peptides to activate antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells [152]. While the MK processed OVA, they were also actively packaging the MHC-I/peptide complexes into proplatelets [152]. This may be a mechanism by which MKs immunologically communicate with T-cells in the periphery. Of interest, examining platelet surface MHC-I molecules may be an efficient way to distinguish young platelets from old as they lose their MHC-I over time [154]. However, since MK contain all the necessary components for antigen processing/presentation and activation of T-cells, they are continually transferring these molecules to platelets for peripheral activation of T-cells.

Platelet NK Cell and Tumor Cell Interactions

Natural Killer cells (NK-cells) were originally described as innate effector cells with cytolytic activity towards virus-infected and tumor cells [155]. Like T-cells, they are recruited from the circulation by activated platelets to sites of inflammation [156,157]. The influence of platelets on NK cell immunosurveillance comes from early observations that platelets form coats around tumor cells, which protects them from immune destruction [158]. It appears that platelets transfer their MHC-I molecules to tumor cells and thus confer resistance to NK-mediated cytolysis. [157,159,160]. Moreover, activation of platelet-derived glucocorticoid-induced TNF-related ligand (GITRL) and the receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL) are linked to reduced NK cell reactivity and INF-γ production [[160], [161], [162], [163]]. In addition, podoplanin on the tumor cell surface can cause platelet aggregation by engaging CLEC-2 receptors [164]; this interaction enhances platelet TGF-β release to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. This drives the tumor toward a more migratory phenotype, tumor cell-extravasation and immune evasion [165]. Furthermore, platelet TGF-β downregulates natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) thus diminishing NK cell anti-tumor reactivity [166,167]. Taken together, the triad of platelet-tumor-NK-cell interactions works largely to protect tumor cells and facilitate metastasis [157,168]; a clear detrimental effect of platelets on the immune system.

Platelet B-cell Interactions

The B-cell is another key player in adaptive immunity by differentiating into antibody producing plasma cells in the secondary immune responses [169]. Many platelet/B-cell interactions seem to involve CD40/CD40L [95]. In conditions were antigen-specific T- and B-cells are scarce, platelet-derived CD40L could enhance germinal center formation and increase IgG levels supporting the adaptive immune response [170]. Furthermore, when lymphocytes from patients with ITP were cultured with activated platelets, platelet CD40L significantly induced autoreactive B-cells to produce autoantibodies against GPIIbIIIa [171]. Finally, CD40L can be packaged into PMVs thus giving platelets the ability to influence B-cell development locally through direct interactions or at a distance by the release of PMVs into the circulation [113].

Platelet Microvesicles (PMVs)

PMVs were discovered in 1946 [172] and were characterized as minute particles that could be enriched by centrifugation [173]; they were termed platelet dust but retained coagulant properties [173]. PMVs are the most abundant microvesicles in the circulation and can readily activate neutrophils and ECs via CD62P and promote tethering of flowing neutrophils to ECs in vitro [174]. Moreover, they transfer GPIbα to monocytes and recruit them to sites of vascular injury [175].

Elevated plasma PMV levels are linked to a wide range of diseases [176]. For example, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have elevated plasma PMV levels that correlate with disease severity [177]. In addition, platelet GPVI was shown to enhance production of PMV (laden with IL-1β) in the RA synovium that elicit chemokine release by synovial fibroblasts thus attracting proinflammatory neutrophils [178]. This mechanism was corroborated by a recent report showing that Rac1 inhibition, located downstream of GPVI, decreased PMV release and alleviated collagen-induced arthritis [179].

Patients with ITP also have increased plasma PMV counts with the highest levels in newly diagnosed ITP [[180], [181], [182]]. Bleeding tendency and platelet count do not always correlate in ITP although Jy et al speculated that a higher PMV to platelet ratio could alleviate some bleeding symptoms [183]. PMVs are also increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and form immune complexes with autoantibodies [184]. PMV-IgG complexes were internalized by monocytes leading to monocyte activation and were positively correlated with disease activity [184].

From an infectious point of view, DENV can activate platelets via CLEC-2 resulting in PMV release and activation of neutrophils and macrophages via TLR2 [30]. This subsequently leads to NETosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine release which causes lethality in DENV-infected mice [30]. It appears that increased levels of PMV are observed in many diseases but to date, most have been only associations. Improving isolation and characterization techniques will unravel more PMV mechanisms and the biological relevance of these vesicles in different disease states. Figure 3 summarizes the many aspects of platelets and their ability to interact with and regulate immunity.

Figure 3.

Pleiotropic Platelet membrane receptors by which Platelets can interact with bacteria and numerous immune cells such as B-cells, T-cells, monocytes, neutrophils, epithelium, endothelium and tumor cells. Arrows and brackets show some of the major interactions. CD40, CD40 molecule; CD40L, CD40 ligand (CD154); sCD40L, soluble CD40L; LPS, Lipopolysaccharide; LP, Lipoprotein; dsRNA, Double-stranded RNA; ssRNA, Single-stranded RNA; CAPs, carboxy(alkylpyrrole) protein adducts; PMV, Platelet microvesicule; IL-1β, Interleukin-1 beta; NAP-2, Neutrophil Activating protein-2; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins; CXCL4, Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4; CXCL7, Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7; CCL3, Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3; CCL5, Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5; TGF-β, Transforming growth factor beta; TC-1, Thrombocidin-l ;TC-2, thrombocidin-lI; CLEC-2, C-type lectin domain family 2; DC-SIGN, Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin; TLRs, Toll Like Receptors.

Conclusions

Platelets are completely armed to closely interact with infectious agents and cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. They do so by containing a wide range of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, some of which that have no obvious hemostatic function. Based on these observations and the multitude of literature relating to platelets and immunity, it is time that they are rightly placed as critical cells of the immune system.