Platelet induction of the acute-phase response is protective in murine experimental cerebral malaria.

ABSTRACT: Platelets are most recognized as the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but they are increasingly appreciated for their immunomodulatory roles, including responses to Plasmodium infection. Platelet interactions with endothelial cells and leukocytes contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Recently, it has been suggested that platelets not only have an adverse role in cerebral malaria, but platelets may also be protective in animal models of uncomplicated malaria. We now demonstrate that these diverse and seemingly contradictory roles for platelets extend to cerebral malaria models and are dependent on the timing of platelet activation during infection. Our data show that platelets are activated very early in ECM and have a central role in initiatio

SUBMITTER: Aggrey AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3633624 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature