Platelet TLR4 at the crossroads of thrombosis and the innate immune response

Platelet TLR-4 activation by pathogen- or damage-associated molecular pattern molecules triggers pro-thrombotic, proinflammatory, and pro-coagulant effector responses. Moreover, platelet TLR4 has a prominent role as a sensor of high lipopolysaccharide circulating levels during sepsis and in the clearance of pathogens mediated by neutrophils. This review presents evidence pointing to TLR4 as a bridge connecting thrombosis and innate immunity.