Bench-to-bedside review: Platelets and active immune functions - new clues for immunopathology?

Platelets display a number of properties besides the crucial function of repairing damaged vascular endothelium and stopping bleeding; these are exploited to benefit patients receiving platelet component transfusions, which might categorize them as innate immune cells. For example, platelets specialize in pro-inflammatory activities, and can secrete a large number of molecules, many of which display biological response modifier functions. Platelets also express receptors for non-self-infectious and possibly non-infectious danger signals, and can engage infectious pathogens by mechanisms barely explained beyond observation. This relationship with infectious pathogens may involve other innate immune cells, especially neutrophils. The sophisticated interplay of platelets with bacteria may culminate in sepsis, a severe pathology characterized by significant reductions in platelet count and platelet dysfunction. How this occurs is still not fully understood. Recent findings from in-depth platelet signaling studies reveal the complexity of platelets and some of the ways they evolve along the immune continuum, from beneficial functions exemplified in endothelium repair to deleterious immunopathology as in systemic inflammatory response syndrome and acute vascular diseases. This review discusses the extended role of platelets as immune cells to emphasize their interactions with infectious pathogens sensed as potentially dangerous.


Introduction
Besides being essential to hemostasis, blood platelets have been recently shown to be able to bind infectious agents or engulf them. Clinical observations suggest that thrombocytopenia usually worsens during infection, implying both central and peripheral causes. Platelets constitutively express molecules that are classically acknow ledged to function in primary hemostasis. Platelet-associated molecules comprise more than 1,000 proteins: 69 are membrane proteins [1]. Platelets are highly active in shedding their surface molecules [1]. Besides their seminal role in hemostasis, and because they display molecules otherwise known to intervene in immune responses, platelets have been recently shown to actively -and not only passively -participate in immunity. Th e immune system is classically viewed as a duality of innate and adaptive immunity, and despite their unique functions they share common intricate properties. Th e defi nition of what is unique in innate immunity is imprecise, and may be approached by opposition to what is unique to adaptive immunity. Generally, innate immune cells express invariant receptors, as opposed to adaptive immune cells, which express rearranged receptors [2]. Myeloid originating cells -a family to which mega karyocytes belong -express several receptor families with various functions and platelets have inherited many properties of their ancestry regarding expression of such receptors. Indeed, they can: i) express non-mutated ligands that bind pathogens or pathogenderived structures; ii) express invariant receptors that ease the ingestion of a variety of pathogens by diff erent mechanisms to destroy them or inhibit pathogenicity; iii) secrete a wide array of molecules to communicate with other cells in the microenvironment or at distance to mediate local actions such as infl ammation; iv) respond to signaling molecules to activate machinery in a polarized manner, either locally or at a distance to fi ght danger or to repair tissue damage. Expression of all four properties characterizes so-called innate immune cells from non-immune cells, such as endothelial and epithelial cells, that can exert partial immune responses.

Abstract
Platelets display a number of properties besides the crucial function of repairing damaged vascular endothelium and stopping bleeding; these are exploited to benefi t patients receiving platelet component transfusions, which might categorize them as innate immune cells. For example, platelets specialize in pro-infl ammatory activities, and can secrete a large number of molecules, many of which display biological response modifi er functions. Platelets also express receptors for non-self-infectious and possibly non-infectious danger signals, and can engage infectious pathogens by mechanisms barely explained beyond observation. This relationship with infectious pathogens may involve other innate immune cells, especially neutrophils. The sophisticated interplay of platelets with bacteria may culminate in sepsis, a severe pathology characterized by signifi cant reductions in platelet count and platelet dysfunction. How this occurs is still not fully understood. Recent fi ndings from in-depth platelet signaling studies reveal the complexity of platelets and some of the ways they evolve along the immune continuum, from benefi cial functions exemplifi ed in endothelium repair to deleterious immunopathology as in systemic infl ammatory response syndrome and acute vascular diseases. This review discusses the extended role of platelets as immune cells to emphasize their interactions with infectious pathogens sensed as potentially dangerous.
Until recently, platelets would have been considered as non-immune cells with some immune functions.
Platelets express non-mutated receptors that bind pathogens and pathogen-derived structures, which in turn activate them

Pathogen sensors and ligands on and in platelets
In the mid-1970s, it was shown that platelets could bind lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) using a lipid A moiety [3,4]. Further, pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) other than classical receptors (CRs and FcRs) were discovered intracellularly and on the surface of human and mouse platelets in 2004/2005. Signifi cantly, most Toll-like receptor (TLR) family members are expressed on and/or in platelets [5][6][7][8]. Th us, it is likely that other PRR protein families will also be identifi ed.
Functional PRRs (CRs, FcRs for Igs, TLRs and possibly other receptors) [6] allow platelets to bind foreign microbial invaders and products derived from microbes. Th is allows platelets to participate in danger sensing, which is typical of innate cells. LPSs from Gram-negative bacteria that bind cell surface MD2/TLR4 complexes and bacterial lipopeptides (or synthetic tri-or diacylpeptides, Pam3CSK4 and Pam2CSK4), which are classical ligands for TLR2 in dimeric association with TLR1 or TLR6, are widely used to investigate physio-pathological inter actions of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs; infectious danger signatures).

The ligation of pathogen-derived moieties to platelet sensors leads to platelet activation
LPS-TLR4/MD2 binding is not passive because it is accompanied by rearrangement of other platelet surface molecules, or their membrane expression from the cytosol, such as CD40-ligand (CD40L), a prominent platelet molecule secreted in large quantities upon appropriate stimulation [9]. Whether LPS directly induces platelet activation is still controversial. However, ligation of LPS to human platelet-expressed TLR4 might activate platelets and mobilize other membrane and cytoplasmic molecules. Previously, we demonstrated that LPS from various strains of Gram-negative bacteria could bind TLR4 on human platelets and elicit soluble CD40L secretion dose-dependently, suggesting an adaptive function of platelets within the environment [9]. Th e consistent failure of several leading groups in the platelet biology fi eld to fi nd evidence of direct and substantial platelet activation after LPS-TLR4/MD2 binding, in particular when testing mouse cells [6], implies that intermediate steps are required. Such intermediate steps for human platelets may include the need for absorption, from plasma, of soluble CD14 on the platelet surface, which is essential in human systems [9]. Studies on direct contacts between platelets and Gram-negative bacteria that display LPS [6,10,11] indicate that platelets can be activated diff erentially depending on the precise stimulus applied, and that platelets -following their activationsecrete elective cytokine profi les [12]; despite the fact that this evidence is experimental, and may barely be extrapolated to real life conditions, it seems rather strong [13].
Further elucidation of these processes is required to make fi rm conclusions regarding this controversial issue, and consistent proof of this assumption may be extremely relevant in clinics because of the disputed role of platelets in sepsis and questions regarding therapeutic inter vention in life-threatening sepsis patients.

Platelet sensors of infectious moieties and thrombosis
TLR2 is a functional receptor in platelets, as revealed by experimental ligation of the synthetic ligand Pam3CSK4. Subsequent stimulation of TLR2 by Pam3CSK4 and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), an inducer of platelet secretion and aggregation, induced NF-κB phosphorylation within the platelet infl ammasome and diff erential platelet cytokine and serotonin release [ [15] demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in a murine model the visual and functional transfer of RNA associated with platelet-like particles from wild-type to TLR2-defi cient mice. How ever, laboratory fi ndings obtained from ex vivo experi ments or in vivo mouse models must be extrapolated to human patho physiological situations.
In addition to TLR4 and TLR2, TLR9, an intracellular pathogen sensor, is consistently described in association with mouse and human platelets. Panigrahi and colleagues [16] recently demonstrated that platelet TLR9 was functional and linked oxidative stress, innate immunity, and thrombosis. Simultaneously, Th on and colleagues [17] demonstrated TLR9 was stored in a newly defi ned intracellular compartment in platelets, remarkably extend ing the basic knowledge of platelet physiology, and helping defi ne a novel mechanism of platelet TLR9 organization and signaling.

How do platelets fi ght danger? The microbicidal potency of platelets
Platelets activate cellular machinery to sense and fi ght danger by using sensors in the form of TLRs, among other PRRs (Table 1). Further, platelets have diff erential functional programs depending on the bacterial and viral danger they face and can adapt their response to the nature and extent of the stress/danger by favoring specifi c cytokine secretion [18]. Th is can be considered characteristic of innate immune cells [6,19,20].
Of particular note, platelets exert direct microbicidal activity and they can also secrete microbicidal peptides/ proteins, such as thrombocidin-1, thrombocidin-2, platelet microbicidal protein-1 (PMP-1) and β-defensin 1, among others [10]. Platelets may contribute indirectly to microbe destruction by transporting surface-bound immune complexes or complement fractions or Igs with antibody activity. Moreover, platelets facilitate the antimicrobial activity of neutrophils [20] and macrophages [6]. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins can also aid or complement mechanisms used by platelets to eradicate infectious pathogens. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus uses two clumping factors (Clf A and Clf B), two fi bronectin-binding proteins (Fnbp A and Fnbp B), protein A, and SSL5, and it binds antibody and complement. Consequently, this bacterium is well equipped to interact with platelets under both static and shear conditions and to trigger platelet activation as a result [11].

Expression of PRRs -in particular TLRs -on and in platelets is still puzzling: a path for a clue?
Th e presence of TLRs -and possibly of other danger sensors -on and in platelets is indeed intriguing, as those PRRs, despite their capacity of linking a variety of PAMPs, are paramount in sensing blood borne infectious pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Th e relationship between bacteria and platelets is extremely complex; platelets secrete antibacterial products but bacterial invasion and sepsis in turn severely impair platelet production, availability and functioning. However, platelets -which are by defi nition essentially circulating cells -are not aimed at being sentinels of immunity as may be immature dendritic cells, for example, positioned at entry points of pathogens into the organism; why are platelets thus equipped with such a well formed apparatus for sensing pathogens [22]? Perhaps an interesting path resides in the relationship of platelets with bacteria in the oral cavity. Of interesting note, autologous platelets are now used in surgery wounds by many dentists in order to prevent excess bleeding during dental avulsion, and dentists report decreased levels of infection (A Nurden, personal communication). On the one hand, platelets in breached oral mucosae and on exposed vascular endothelia are exquisitely reactive to bacteria sensing as we (and others [11,23]) have reported.
On the other hand, as bacteria are extremely frequent in the oral cavity and can infl ict severe damage to organs in cases of dental-originating bacteriemia [24,25], one can wonder as to whether this interaction between platelets and bacteria in the oral cavity is truly benefi cial to the host; this question remains to be investigated.

Hypotheses on infectious pathogen entry inside platelets
Th e precise mechanism(s) of pathogen engulfment within platelets is not yet known, but may be nonclassical phagocytosis as platelets do not contain a complete phagosome ultrastructure, although they possess important and crucial factors such as syk [30] and extracellular FcγRIIa, a molecule with an intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) that is important for immune complex clearance [31]. Platelets can increase phagocytosis of periodontal patho gens by neutrophils, and may directly engulf bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and S. aureus [29]. While challenging for microbiologists, this discovery is extremely stimulating for cell biologists, as it highlights that a mechanism of entry is involved that may be selective, since not all types of virus or bacterium have been observed within platelets. Th erefore, it is important to study further the infectivity of pathogens within platelets. On the one hand, platelet engulfment of pathogens may not result in bacterial killing, because platelet vacuoles lack structures for killing; on the other hand, however, engulfment may succeed in bacterial killing since -upon activation -platelets can release β-defensins that have an antimicrobial eff ect. Last, engulfment of bacteria by platelets may enable pathogens to escape immune surveillance.

Platelet and engulfment of infectious pathogens: what next?
Th e destiny of engulfed microbes within platelets remains unclear: it may be diff erent depending on the specifi c pathogen or the microbe's intrinsic properties, such as infectivity. When a microbe is ingested by a phagocytic cell, there are several possible outcomes for the microbe, the four main possibilities being: i) it is destroyed or lysed; ii) it is embedded within the structure like in a sanctuary, where it is hidden or protected from external defense elements; iii) it is not destroyed but to the contrary develops, with two sub-options -its development is limited to the host cell containment capacity or it exceeds the host cell capacity and bursts out, freeing the newly formed infectious pathogens that are ready to carry on invading new host cells and so on (until a negative signal for multiplication is given); iv) it behaves as a Trojan horse, modifying the host cell in such a manner that it acts as a carrier to transport the invader to immune sites or other compartments [10,11,24,25,28,[32][33][34]. None of these options has been demonstrated thus far in platelets infected by parasites, bacteria or viruses. Th e presence of infectious pathogens within platelets thus remains a mystery; no role for propagating viruses such as HIV has been identifi ed so far, while platelets and HIV clearly have mutual interactions and platelets participate in HIV-induced pathology [35]. Th us, stricto sensu, platelets do not appear to be fully competent for phagocytosis and their trapping of infectious pathogens remains unsolved.

Platelet assistance to neutrophils: neutrophil extracellular traps
Platelets can aid phagocytosis by professional leukocytes. Interestingly, platelets can help the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that link infl ammation and thrombosis (NETs contribute to thrombus formation by interacting with platelets) [36]. Clark and colleagues [37] described a mechanism of platelet-neutrophil interactions leading to improved bacterial trapping, in which activated platelets adhered to immobilized neutrophils in a model of endotoxemia and sepsis. Th e cell-cell mechanism involved may depend upon the properties of platelets because platelet cell fi xation modifi ed plateletneutrophil interactions. While some groups hypothesized that this type of platelet-neutrophil interaction depended in part on LPS-induced platelet activation via platelet TLR4 expression [36,37], others claimed no evidence of direct TLR4 platelet activation [7,8], in contrast to TLR2 [38] or TLR9 [16,17] platelet activation. NETs catch platelets and maintain their aggregation, indicating they are substrates for platelet adhesion and that they provide stimuli for platelet activation. Platelets may bind to NETs directly or indirectly. Purifi ed histones associate with the platelet surface in vitro, particularly via TLRs [39,40]. Platelets also bind double-and single-stranded DNA in vitro [39]. Interactions of NETs with platelets may lead to a vicious loop of NET formation and platelet activation, because platelets, if pre-stimulated with LPS or collagen, induce NET release by neutrophils [37]. Despite controversy regarding the role of platelet TLR4/MD2 activation by LPS, bacterial residues might induce the binding of platelets to adherent neutrophils in pulmonary sinusoids, and cause sustained neutrophil activation and NET formation. Indeed, LPS, even at high concentrations, is unable to induce NET formation directly from neutrophils, suggesting that platelets are necessary for rapid LPS-induced neutrophil NET formation. In addi tion, several investigators have demonstrated that neutro philinduced NET formation can occur in response to LPS and other agonists in the absence of platelets [41]. NETs contain proteolytic activity that can trap and kill microbes in tissues [37]. Furthermore, platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes interact in dynamic conditions. Formation of close interactions between neutrophils and platelets, a condition necessary for active phagocytosis, is expanded under infl ammatory conditions, in which platelets participate substantially [21]. Formation of a synapse between neutrophils and platelets, a requirement for eff ective phagocytosis, is magnifi ed under infl ammatory conditions, where platelets undergo substantial and persistent activation [42].

Platelet association with a panoply of biological response modifi ers
Platelets are characterized in part by their association with a large number of molecules (Table 2), of which more than 300 are secreted. However, these data should be interpreted with caution, as platelet molecules may originate from three sources: i) inherited from lineage cells (megakaryocyte); ii) absorbed from the environment; iii) secreted de novo (a recently identifi ed puzzling issue that is unexpected in non-nucleated cells devoid of nucleic acid and DNA, except mitochondrial DNA and RNA absorbed from lysed cells such as tumor cells) [6,19]. Consequently, the number of molecules of platelet origin and the repertoire of proteins present on platelet membranes is debatable. Activation processes allow the recruitment of molecules onto the cell surface (P-selectin or CD62P is initially located intracellularly within the α granule) [43]. Conversely, many molecules are inter nalized during activation or shed in membrane-derived microparticles (MPs). Th us, during activation there is a change in platelet phenotype with the appearance of novel molecules and disappearance of others, some changes being transient and others permanent. During activation, proteins/glycoproteins can be proteolytically cleaved from the cell surface. However, this shedding process is distinct from secretion, resulting from mobilization of molecules from storage granules with or without transient expression at the surface (as for sCD40L and sCD62P).

A selection of platelet secreted molecules important in immune process regulation Platelet factor-4
PF4 prevents apoptosis of monocytes and initiates their diff erentiation into macrophages, induces neutrophil adhesion to non-stimulated endothelium and granulecontent release [44], favors neutrophil, monocyte, and fi broblast chemotaxis, and eosinophil adherence, induces basophil release of histamine, and controls multiple Tcell activities, including inhibition of monocyte-dependent and CD3/CD28 antibody ligation-induced T-cell proliferation and activation. It has a complex role in the regulation of T-cell responses (regulatory T cells (CD4 + CD25 + ) and non-regulatory T cells (CD4 + CD25 -)) and inhibits CD4 + CD25 -T-cell proliferation, but stimulates proliferation of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells [45].

β-Thromboglobulin
β-TG comprises sets of proteins, actually proteolytic products of inactive precursors, that stimulate or inhibit neutrophils, depending on their processing [46], and attract neutrophils, but not monocytes [47], in the vasculature.

RANTES
RANTES is consistently released by thrombin-stimulated platelets. It is less pleiotropic than other chemokines, but it is highly effi cient in recruiting monocytes, T cells and eosinophils [48]. It contributes to infl ammation and athero matogenesis by recruiting circulating monocytes that bind altered microvascular and arterial endothelium by triggering shear-resistant monocyte arrest [49].

Macrophage infl ammatory protein-1α
MIP-1α has histamine-releasing activity for basophils and is chemotactic for T lymphocytes. It is an important mediator of virus-induced infl ammation in vivo and plays a role in cellular, but not humoral, responses to coxsackie virus B3. During infection, MIP-1α may be required for the effi cient recruitment of T cells to sites of viral infection [50]. ADAM, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase; ADAMTS, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; bFGF, basic fi broblast growth factor; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; CCL, C-C motif ligand; CRP, C-reactive protein; CTGF, connective tissue growth factor; CXCL, C-X-C motif ligand; EGF, epidermal growth factor; Gas-6, growth arrest-specifi c 6; HMGB1, high-mobility group protein B1; IGFBP3, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3; IL, interleukin; PAI, plasminogen activator inhibitor; PDGF, platelet derived growth factor; TGF, transforming growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; VWF, von Willebrand factor. Th us, if platelets can secrete chemokines, the latter can exert reciprocal actions on platelets. RANTES and MIP-1α stimulate platelets to increase calcium signals, to aggregate, and to release granular contents.

Soluble CD40 ligand
Other cytokine-and chemokine-like molecules secreted by platelets are leading immunomodulatory agents, either in physiology or in pathology, such as CD40L [51,52]. Th e identifi cation of CD40L as a major product, both quantitatively and qualitatively, of platelets was important because it was the fi rst evidence that platelets abundantly secreted factors not involved in hemostasis. Th e role of soluble CD40L (sCD40L) in acute transfusion reactions, fi rst in non-hemolytic febrile transfusion reactions and then in transfusion related acute lung injury, is intriguing. We and other groups established ex vivo models of blood cells obtained from healthy donors to explore the extent to which intact or lysed platelets could be transfused, and investigated biological response modifi ers from supernatants and determined how they aff ected diff erent cell types, including B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, monocytes, and epithelial cells (Figure 1). Th e accumulation of infl ammatory cytokines and chemokines during platelet component storage increased the infl ammatory eff ects of leukocytes and endothelial cells to levels comparable to those observed during patho logical conditions. We provided evidence for a role of sCD40L in acute transfusion reaction cases in which there was complete excretion of sCD40L from platelets into the supernatant such that no sCD40L was left within the platelets, in contrast to that observed in control patient samples [53,54]. We extended this fi nding to a series of other cytokines previously unassociated with platelets, IL-27 and OX40L [55].

Microparticles at the interface of procoagulant activity and infl ammation
The 'microparticle' phenomenon In 1967, Wolf described small membrane fragments referred to as 'platelet dust' that were released after platelet activation [56]. Th is 'platelet dust' (now acknowledged as MPs) retain procoagulant activity similar to activated platelets [56]. MPs of various cell types have been detected in circulating blood [57,58], including from leukocytes, erythrocytes, endothelial cells and platelets. Th e most abundant circulating MPs are platelet-derived MPs, less than 1.0 μm in diameter, which represent approximately 70 to 90% of all circulating MPs [59]. Th e stimulation and activation of each cell type can induce increased levels of cytoplasmic calcium associated with the translocation of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidyl ethanolamine from the inner to the outer leafl et of the cell membrane and activation of calpain, which facilitates MP shedding by cleaving cytoskeletal fi laments [60]. MPs are involved in ischemic stroke, metastasis, tumor development, and infl ammatory and neuro degenera tive diseases [60].

Platelet microparticles
Platelet MPs are membrane vesicles shed by platelets after activation that transports platelet molecules (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, Ib and P-selectin). Th e interface between blood cells and arterial vessel walls determines the progression of atherosclerotic plaques and thrombotic complications [61]. Evidence suggests a role of activated platelets and platelet-derived MPs in disease development by interaction with leukocytes, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells [62]. During infl ammation, plateletderived MPs can activate antigen-presenting cells, modulate dendritic cell activation, increase T-cell responses, induce B-cell production of IgG antibodies, and enhance germinal center formation in cooperation with T cells [60].

Sepsis is frequently associated with unexplained thrombocytopenia
Sepsis provides an interesting model for deciphering the role of platelets beyond hemostatic functions. Th rombocytopenia is a frequent occurrence in sepsis, implying platelets are involved in the pathophysiology [63,64]. Generally, platelet counts in sepsis patients markedly decrease during the fi rst 4 days [65]. Conversely, sepsis is a signifi cant risk factor for thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients, and the severity of sepsis correlates with decreased platelet counts [66]. During bacterial infection, direct interactions between platelets and bacteria, leading to enhanced macrophagy [67], may contribute to thrombo cytopenia. Platelet TLR4 was found to lead to neutrophil-dependent pulmonary sequestration in response to LPS [8]. Interestingly, they demonstrated the in vivo formation of platelet aggregates in response to LPS [68]. However, mechanisms that may link impaired central platelet production and peripheral overconsumption and/or destruction are poorly understood.

Hypotheses for sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia: the coagulation path
Platelet consumption may also be important in patients with sepsis because of their activation and subsequent sequestration on endothelium or increased binding to circulating neutrophils [69]. Platelet adhesion to capil laries requires NADPH oxidase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, P-selectin and activated coagulation (platelet adhesion, fi brin deposition, and blood fl ow stoppage in capillaries) [70]. In addition to endotoxin and infl ammatory cytokines, the ongoing generation of thrombin (a potent activator of platelets in vivo) and the release of platelet activating factor activates platelets. Th e contribution of platelet activating factor in sepsis was demonstrated in animal models [71], although targeted therapeutic interventions to antagonize it led to disappointing results in human sepsis [72]. Coagulation is closely associated with severe systemic infl ammatory responses occurring in sepsis patients [73], but therapeutic approaches targeting coagulation that were benefi cial in animal models were generally unsuccessful in humans.

Further hypotheses for sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia: the infl ammatory path
Intriguingly, decreased plasma levels of RANTES seem to parallel thrombocytopenia [74]. Besides this, tissue factor, a prominent product of platelets [75,76] and activated monocytes [77], functions in coagulation and infl ammation by exposing procoagulant phospholipid binding sites for factors Va and Xa. Th rombospondin-1 contributed to mortality in experimental models [78]. Of note, there is a balance between levels of pro-and antiinfl ammatory cytokines (the latter lead to a so-called cytokine storm). Transforming growth factor-β1 is an important counter-regulatory, anti-infl ammatory cyto kine in sepsis and represents a prime candidate for factors that mediate sepsis resolution; it also prevents leukocyte apoptosis [79].

Conclusion
Platelets are thought to sense danger by recognizing subendothelial molecules following vascular endothelium damage, and following activation they engage repair systems by secreting appropriate adhesion and healing molecules. Platelets can sense other forms of danger, in particular those that are infectious in nature as they express numerous specialized (TLRs) and less specialized but highly functional receptors (FCR for Igs/antibodies and complement factor receptors). Platelets can be activated by infectious pathogen moieties and by immune complexes formed around infectious pathogens. Th e nature of the infectious danger activates platelets, directing them to secrete specifi c biological response modifi ers comprising cytokine and chemokine-like molecules. Platelets also engage membrane and secreted factors that interact with neighboring and distant immune cells to eliminate immune complexes, characteristic of innate immunity. Th ese complex responses might even alter adaptive immune responses, at least in experimental models. During sepsis syndrome, platelets are particu larly mobilized along a spectrum ranging from hyper activation to exhaustion, and this may be an attractive target for new drug treatment approaches, once the fi nely tuned mechanisms are identifi ed.