Platelet-mediated modulation of adaptive immunity. A communication link between innate and adaptive immune compartments.

Abstract

Platelets are highly reactive components of the circulatory system with well-documented hemostatic function. Recent studies extend platelet function to modulation of local inflammatory events through the release of chemokines, cytokines, and a number of immunomodulatory ligands, including CD154. We hypothesized that platelet-derived CD154 modulates adaptive immunity. The data reported herein demonstrate that platelets, via CD154, induce dendritic cell maturation, B cell isotype switching, and augment CD8(+) T cell responses both in vitro and in vivo. Platelet transfusion studies demonstrate that platelet-derived CD154 alone is sufficient to induce isotype switching and augment T lymphocyte function during viral infection, leading to enhanced protection against viral rechallenge. Additionally, depletion of platelets in normal mice results in decreased antigen-specific antibody production.

• Authors: Bennett D Elzey, Jun Tian, Robert J Jensen, Axel K Swanson, Jason R Lees, Steven R Lentz, Colleen S Stein, Bernhard Nieswandt, Yiqiang Wang, Beverly L Davidson, Timothy L Ratliff
• Journal: Immunity (Immunity) Vol. 19 Issue 1 Pg. 9-19 (Jul 2003) ISSN: 1074-7613 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12871635 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• CD40 Ligand

Topics

• Adaptation, Physiological
• Adenoviridae (immunology)
• Animals
• Blood Platelets (physiology)
• CD40 Ligand (blood, physiology)
• CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes (immunology)
• Immunity, Innate
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Virus Diseases (immunology)