Researchers discover the unexpected role of platelets in immune response

(Universit é Laval) Platelets play a much bigger role in our immune system than previously thought, according to Universit é Laval researchers. In addition to their role in coagulation and healing, platelets also act as the immune system's first responders when a virus, bacterium, or allergen enters the bloodstream. This discovery opens the door to new ways to treat patients with septic shock caused by viral or bacterial infection and people with auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news