IJMS, Vol. 20, Pages 3494: Platelets Are Critical Key Players in Sepsis (International Journal of Molecular Sciences)

Host defense against infection is based on two crucial mechanisms: the inflammatory response and the activation of coagulation. Platelets are involved in both hemostasis and immune response. These mechanisms work together in a complex and synchronous manner making the contribution of platelets of major importance in sepsis. This is a description of the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia, microvascular consequences, platelet-endothelial cells and platelet–pathogens interactions. The critical role of platelets during sepsis and the therapeutic implications are also reviewed.