Platelets in infection: intrinsic roles and functional outcomes

Yuwei Hu; Shuchang Dai; Congchao Qiao; Yifan Ye; Junyi Ren; KAI WANG; Ling Li; Zhong Liu

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1616783

journal article Open Access Jul 07, 2025

Platelets in infection: intrinsic roles and functional outcomes

Yuwei Hu Shuchang Dai Congchao Qiao Yifan Ye

Junyi Ren KAI WANG

Ling Li

Zhong Liu

Frontiers in Immunology Vol. 16 · Frontiers Media SA

View at Publisher Save 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1616783

Abstract

Platelets have long been acknowledged for their essential roles in hemostasis and thrombosis; however, recent insights highlight their broader involvement as key participants in host responses during infection. Beyond their classical functions, platelets exhibit diverse anti-infective capabilities, such as direct pathogen internalization, receptor-mediated pathogen recognition, the release of antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, and chemokines, and the generation of immunomodulatory extracellular vesicles. These intrinsic platelet attributes enable dynamic interactions with pathogens and immune cells, significantly contributing to pathogen capture, neutralization, and the orchestration of innate and adaptive immune responses. This review examines the multifaceted intrinsic roles of platelets and delineates the beneficial outcomes of their activation, providing an integrated perspective on platelet-driven immunity and defense mechanisms during infection.

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Published: Jul 07, 2025
Vol/Issue: 16
License: View

Authors

Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, 475 Riverside Dr., Mail Code 7717, New York, NY 10115, USA

L

Ling Li

Huazhong Agricultural University

Z

Zhong Liu

Cite This Article

Yuwei Hu, Shuchang Dai, Congchao Qiao, et al. (2025). Platelets in infection: intrinsic roles and functional outcomes. Frontiers in Immunology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1616783

Platelets in infection: intrinsic roles and functional outcomes

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