Platelets are anuclear cells of the cardiovascular system that have two important functions: forming clots when damage occurs to blood vessels and participating in the innate immune response. This lab is focused on the latter - how platelets are activated when they encounter foreign 'invaders' in the body, and how they bind to other cell types to increase the overall reaction of the immune system. Platelets are known to participate in innate immunity through cytokine signaling and direct interactions with other cells, including monocytes/macrophages and epithelial cells, and the platelet has the potential to significantly influence disease outcomes.
Platelets are produced by cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes - when mature, these cells bud off projections that become platelets. Platelets contain alpha granules and dense granules, which contain different molecules that can be released upon activation of the platelet by foreign presence in the body. Some of the molecules within these granules are membrane-bound, and present on the outer membrane of the platelet when it becomes activated (see image below) - these molecules (including P-selectin and CD40-Ligand) can then be stained with special antibodies which allow them to be visualized using flow cytometry.
Platelets are produced by cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes - when mature, these cells bud off projections that become platelets. Platelets contain alpha granules and dense granules, which contain different molecules that can be released upon activation of the platelet by foreign presence in the body. Some of the molecules within these granules are membrane-bound, and present on the outer membrane of the platelet when it becomes activated (see image below) - these molecules (including P-selectin and CD40-Ligand) can then be stained with special antibodies which allow them to be visualized using flow cytometry.
For more info, check out a primer on platelets, written by our postdoctoral fellow Dr. Claire Lyons, here: https://biomedicalodyssey.blogs.hopkinsmedicine.org/2019/09/a-primer-on-platelets-tiny-but-mighty/