Platelets: a potential role in chronic respiratory diseases?

Platelets are small anucleate cells known for their role in haemostasis and thrombosis. In recent years, an increasing number of observations have suggested that platelets are also immune cells and key modulators of immunity. They express different receptors and molecules that allow them to respond to pathogens, and to interact with other immune cells. Platelets were linked to the pathogenesis of some inflammatory disorders including respiratory diseases such as asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we discuss the involvement of platelets in different immune responses, and we focus on their potential role in various chronic lung diseases.