Objective
The platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX receptor is a well characterized adhesion receptor supporting hemostasis and thrombosis via interactions with von Willebrand factor (VWF). We examine the GPIb-IX/VWF axis in murine polymicrobial sepsis, as modeled by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).
Approach and Results
Genetic absence of the GPIb-IX ligand, VWF, prolongs survival following CLP, but absence of the receptor, GP Ib-IX, does not. Since absence of either VWF or GP Ib-IX significantly impairs hemostasis and thrombosis we sought to define additional GP Ib-IX-dependent pathways impacting survival in the CLP model. We document the absence of GPIb-IX leads to reduced platelet-neutrophil and platelet-monocyte interactions. Twenty four hours following CLP, absence of GP Ib-IX coincides with an alteration in cytokine levels, such as TNFα secreted by monocytes, and increased Mac-1 expression by neutrophils.
Conclusions
In contrast, to the well-characterized pro-inflammatory properties of platelets, we describe in the CLP model an anti-inflammatory property associated with platelet GP Ib-IX. Thus, a single platelet receptor displays a dual modulatory role in both the thrombotic and inflammatory pathways associated with polymicrobial sepsis. In sharing leucine rich motifs with toll-like receptors, platelet GPIb-IX can be considered a multi-functional participant in hemostasis, thrombosis, and the inflammatory cascade. The results highlight a dynamic role for platelets in systemic inflammation and add to the complex pathophysiologic events that occur during the dysregulated coagulation and inflammation associated with sepsis.