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Life
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The Biology and Functions of Platelets: Emerging Challenges
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The Biology and Functions of Platelets: Emerging Challenges

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 6847

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Robert Maitta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
2. University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Interests: transfusion; apheresis; platelets; hematopoiesis, alloimmunization; cell therapies; sickle cell disease; thrombocytopenia; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; thrombotic microangiopathies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Miriam Andrea Duque

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami 33136, FL, USA
Interests: transfusion; transfusion medicine; apheresis; platelets; red blood cells; cell therapies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Platelets have long been known to be at the center of hemostatic regulation in the body. Low platelet counts and dysfunctional platelets can often lead to hemorrhage, while hyperactive platelets can have the opposite effect and result in thrombosis or embolization. However, platelets have several known non-hemostatic functions that are essential to maintaining homeostasis. For example, they play important roles in the immune response not only through their phagocytosis of microorganisms but also through the release of stored immune mediators that affect how other cells respond to infection. Along these lines, platelet transfusions can themselves affect the recipient’s immune response through the process of transfusion-related immunomodulation. It is through their myriad of receptors and stored mediators that platelets influence cells and organ systems as a whole. It is with this in mind that this Special Issue seeks to showcase reports describing the important functions carried out by platelets. Original research describing in vitro and in vivo models of platelet functions are welcome. Similarly, platelet-centric diseases and reports describing platelet defects through experimentation are encouraged. Pathologic mediators affecting platelets and reports looking at effects of new therapeutic approaches on platelets are similarly welcomed. Major comprehensive reviews showcasing the functions of platelets beyond hemostasis are also encouraged. Even though we do not encourage submission of case reports, we will welcome them if they are in the context of a thorough review of the area covered by this Special Issue.

Dr. Robert Maitta
Dr. Miriam Andrea Duque
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • platelet
  • hemostasis
  • toll-like receptor
  • immunity
  • phagocytosis
  • transfusions
  • von Willebrand factor
  • thrombocyte

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Review

15 pages, 296 KB  
Review
Platelets in Dry Eye Disease: A Narrative Review of Biological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications Derived from Platelets
by Marco Zeppieri, Caterina Gagliano, Alessandro Avitabile, Antonino Maniaci, Francesco Cappellani, Riccardo Foti, Giosuè Giordano Incognito, Dalila Incognito and Roberta Foti
Life 2025, 15(11), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15111785 - 20 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1349
Abstract
Background: Platelets have conventionally been viewed as cellular fragments crucial for hemostasis; nonetheless, their extensive secretome of cytokines and growth factors has been increasingly acknowledged as a significant regulator of inflammation and tissue healing at the ocular surface. Aims: The objective of this [...] Read more.
Background: Platelets have conventionally been viewed as cellular fragments crucial for hemostasis; nonetheless, their extensive secretome of cytokines and growth factors has been increasingly acknowledged as a significant regulator of inflammation and tissue healing at the ocular surface. Aims: The objective of this narrative review is to synthesize existing knowledge of platelet biology with new findings about the therapeutic use of platelet-derived products in dry eye disease (DED). Methods: A qualitative review of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to June 2025 identified preclinical, translational, and clinical studies assessing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), platelet lysate, and autologous serum tears for dry eye disease (DED) and associated ocular surface disorders. Results: Platelet-derived formulations have exhibited reliable immunomodulatory and regenerative effects by diminishing inflammatory signaling, lowering cytokine expression, and facilitating epithelial and neurotrophic restoration. Clinical investigations have indicated enhancements in tear film stability, corneal staining, and patient-reported symptoms, especially in cases of moderate-to-severe or refractory illness. Nonetheless, methodological diversity, inconsistent preparation techniques, and restricted sample sizes have impeded comparability among experiments. Conclusions: Platelet-derived treatments constitute a biologically viable and clinically promising strategy for the management of dry eye disease (DED). Future research must emphasize the standardization of preparation protocols, the identification of predictive biomarkers such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), nerve growth factor (NGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), as well as the design of multicenter randomized controlled trials to guarantee reproducible, GMP-compliant clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biology and Functions of Platelets: Emerging Challenges)
14 pages, 857 KB  
Review
Resveratrol as a Potential Platelet Inhibitor in Aspirin-Resistant Diabetic Patients—A Novel Therapeutic Strategy Targeting F0F1-ATP Synthase Inhibition
by Isabella Panfoli and Lavinia Carlini
Life 2025, 15(11), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15111718 - 6 Nov 2025
Viewed by 2360
Abstract
In Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose due to impaired insulin action, platelet function is dysregulated and contributes to the pathological progression of the disease. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation [...] Read more.
In Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose due to impaired insulin action, platelet function is dysregulated and contributes to the pathological progression of the disease. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation impair endothelial function and platelet regulation, promoting a prothrombotic state. Platelet hyperreactivity is associated with T2DM cardiovascular complications, a leading cause of mortality in patients. Antiplatelet therapies often prove ineffective for a subset of T2DM patients due to aspirin resistance, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, is a potential therapeutic agent for T2DM, including inhibition of platelet aggregation. One of the pleiotropic actions of resveratrol is to modulate the FoF1-ATP synthase rotational catalysis. Platelet chemical energy demand during the activation phase is achieved through oxidative phosphorylation. Both mitochondrial and extra-mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation drive aerobic energy production in activated platelets, utilizing fatty acids and glucose, respectively. Hyperglycemia can cause an overwork of the oxidative phosphorylation, producing oxidative stress. Targeting FoF1-ATP synthase with resveratrol may reduce platelet hyperreactivity in aspirin-resistant cases. This paper reviews the implications of resveratrol ability to inhibit platelet FoF1-ATP synthase on its potential as a novel alternative or synergistic antiplatelet strategy for aspirin-resistant T2DM patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biology and Functions of Platelets: Emerging Challenges)
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22 pages, 1642 KB  
Review
The Multifaceted Role of Platelets in Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Disease: Pathogenesis, Inflammation, and Therapeutic Opportunities
by Sophia Strukel, Betelhem Teshome and Vikrant Rai
Life 2025, 15(11), 1656; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15111656 - 23 Oct 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2422
Abstract
(1) Background: Atherosclerosis is a complex chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the plaque-induced thickening of medium-sized and large arterial walls. Chronic inflammation, lipid accumulation, and endothelial dysfunction play a critical role in pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Along with immune cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Atherosclerosis is a complex chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the plaque-induced thickening of medium-sized and large arterial walls. Chronic inflammation, lipid accumulation, and endothelial dysfunction play a critical role in pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Along with immune cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and platelets play a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Targeting platelet-related molecular mechanisms has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in treating atherosclerosis. However, potential targets are not clearly understood. This review discusses the multifaceted role of platelets in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ischemic disease followed by the potential of targeting platelets. (2) Methods: Articles related to the role of platelets in atherosclerosis and underlying molecular mechanisms were searched from PubMed and Google Scholar using search terms atherosclerosis, platelets, therapeutics, targets; alone or in combination; (3) Results: Current research suggest that platelet-related molecular mechanisms play a critical role in plaque development, progression, and rupture. The mediators involved may serve as therapeutic targets; (4) Conclusions: Targeting platelets can attenuate atherosclerosis by interfering with platelet functions beyond blood clotting, such as promoting vascular inflammation and platelet adhesion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biology and Functions of Platelets: Emerging Challenges)
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