The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a newly described phenomenon that increases the bacteria-killing ability and the inflammatory response of neutrophils. Because NET generation occurs in an inflammatory microenvironment, we examined its regulation by anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment of neutrophils with dexamethasone had no effect, but acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) treatment prevented NET formation. NETosis was also abrogated by the presence of BAY 11-7082 [(E)-3-[4-methylphenylsulfonyl]-2-propenenitrile] and Ro 106-9920 [6-(phenylsulfinyl)tetrazolo [1,5-b]pyridazine], two structurally unrelated nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) inhibitors. The decrease in NET formation mediated by ASA, BAY-11-7082, and Ro 106-9920 was correlated with a significant reduction in the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 subunit, indicating that the activation of this transcription factor is a relevant signaling pathway involved in the generation of DNA traps. The inhibitory effect of these drugs was also observed when NET generation was induced under acidic or hyperthermic conditions, two stress signals of the inflammatory microenvironment. In a mouse peritonitis model, while pretreatment of animals with ASA or BAY 11-7082 resulted in a marked suppression of NET formation along with increased bacteremia, dexamethasone had no effect. Our results show that NETs have an important role in the local control of infection and that ASA and NF-kB blockade could be useful therapies to avoid undesired effect of persistent neutrophil activation.

Gals (galectins) are proteins with glycan affinity that are emerging as mediators of atherosclerosis. Despite the similarities in structure and sequence, different Gals exert distinct effects on their target cells. We have shown that Gal-1 triggers platelet activation, suggesting a role for Gals in thrombus formation. Since Gal-8 is expressed upon endothelial activation and also contributes to inflammation, to understand further the role of these lectins in haemostasis, we evaluated the effect of Gal-8 on human platelets. Gal-8 bound specific glycans in the platelet membrane and triggered spreading, calcium mobilization and fibrinogen binding. It also promoted aggregation, thromboxane generation, P-selectin expression and granule secretion. GP (glycoprotein) αIIb and Ib-V were identified as putative Gal-8 counter-receptors by MS. Studies performed using platelets from Glanzmann's thromboasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome patients confirmed that GPIb is essential for transducing Gal-8 signalling. Accordingly, Src, PLC2γ (phospholipase C2γ), ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt downstream molecules were involved in the Gal-8 signalling pathway. Gal-8 fragments containing either the N- or C-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domains showed that activation is exerted through the N-terminus. Western blotting and cytometry showed that platelets not only contain Gal-8, but also expose Gal-8 after thrombin activation. These findings reveal Gal-8 as a potent platelet activator, supporting a role for this lectin in thrombosis and inflammation.

Summary Background In addition to their key role in hemostasis, platelets and megakaryocytes also regulate immune and inflammatory responses, in part through their expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Among the TLRs, TLR3 recognizes double-stranded (ds) RNA associated with viral infection. Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication of viral infection. However, the expression and functionality of TLR3 in megakaryocytes and platelets is not yet well understood. Objective To study the expression and functionality of TLR3 in the megakaryocytic lineage. Methods and Results RT-PCR, flow cytometric, and immunofluorescence assays showed that TLR3 is expressed in CD34+ cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets. Immunoblotting assays showed that stimulation of megakaryocytes with two synthetic agonists of TLR3, Poly(I:C) and Poly(A:U), activated the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2, and p38 pathways. TLR3-megakaryocyte activation resulted in reduced platelet production in vitro and IFN-β release through the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. TLR3 ligands potentiated the aggregation mediated by classical platelet agonists. This effect was also observed for ATP release, but not for P-selectin or CD40L membrane exposure, indicating that TLR3 activation was not involved in alpha granule release. In addition, TLR3 agonists induced activation of the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and ERK1/2 pathways in platelets. Reduction of platelet production and platelet fibrinogen binding mediated by Poly(I:C) or Poly(A:U) were prevented by the presence of an inhibitor of TLR3/dsRNA complex. Conclusions Our findings indicate that functional TLR3 is expressed in CD34+ cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets, and suggest a potential role for this receptor in the megakaryo/thrombopoiesis alterations that occur in viral infections.

Understanding noncanonical mechanisms of platelet activation represents an important challenge for the identification of novel therapeutic targets in bleeding disorders, thrombosis, and cancer. We previously reported that galectin-1 (Gal-1), a β-galactoside-binding protein, triggers platelet activation in vitro. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying this function and the physiological relevance of endogenous Gal-1 in hemostasis. Mass spectrometry analysis, as well as studies using blocking antibodies against the anti-α(IIb) subunit ofα(IIb)β(3) integrin or platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia syndrome (α(IIb)β(3) deficiency), identified this integrin as a functional Gal-1 receptor in platelets. Binding of Gal-1 to platelets triggered the phosphorylation of β(3)-integrin, Syk, MAPKs, PI3K, PLCγ2, thromboxane (TXA(2)) release, and Ca(2+) mobilization. Not only soluble but also immobilized Gal-1 promoted platelet activation. Gal-1-deficient (Lgals1(-/-)) mice showed increased bleeding time (P<0.0002, knockout vs. wild type), which was not associated with an abnormal platelet count. Lgals1(-/-) platelets exhibited normal aggregation to PAR4, ADP, arachidonic acid, or collagen but abnormal ATP release at low collagen concentrations. Impaired spreading on fibrinogen and clot retraction with normal levels of α(IIb)β(3) was also observed in Lgals1(-/-) platelets, indicating a failure in the "outside-in" signaling through this integrin. This study identifies a noncanonical mechanism, based on galectin-integrin interactions, for regulating platelet activation.