Introduction to a review series on platelet heterogeneity

Abstract

Beyond their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are now known to be important in inflammation, sepsis, cancer, and vascular integrity. Edited by Elisabeth M. Battinelli, this Review Series explores the basis of this versatility—not all platelets are alike. Kaiser et al define the different characteristics that can differentiate platelet subpopulations, key disease associations, and how disease can modify platelet phenotype. Malloy et al further define platelet subpopulations functionally, describing their function in vascular repair, immune mediation, infection, and angiogenesis. They highlight how the location of platelets’ birth from megakaryocytes dictates some of these characteristics. Thiele et al discuss laboratory and clinical methods of identifying platelet subpopulations, addressing technical issues in subpopulation identification and looking forward to how we can clinically integrate platelet subtyping.