Originally published online as doi:10.1189/jlb.0708400 on October 23, 2008
Published online before print October 23, 2008
(Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2009;85:195-204.)
© 2009 Society for Leukocyte Biology
Molecular and functional interactions among monocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells and their relevance for cardiovascular diseases
Janine M. van Gils*,
Jaap Jan Zwaginga*,
and
Peter L. Hordijk*,1
* Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
1 Correspondence: Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: p.hordijk{at}sanquin.nl

ABSTRACT
Platelets, monocytes, and endothelial cells are instrumental
in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
Inflammation, a key process underlying cardiovascular disorders,
is accompanied and amplified by activation of platelets and
consequent binding of such platelets to the endothelium. There,
platelet-derived chemokines, in conjunction with increased expression
of adhesion molecules, promote the recruitment of circulating
monocytes that will eventually migrate across the endothelial
lining of the vessel into the tissues. Additionally, platelets
may already become activated in the circulation and may form
platelet-monocyte complexes, which show increased adhesive and
migratory capacities themselves but also facilitate recruitment
of noncomplexed leukocytes. They should therefore be considered
as important mediators of inflammation. In molecular terms,
these events are additionally governed by chemokines released
and presented by the endothelium as well as the different classes
of endothelial adhesion molecules that regulate the interactions
among the various cell types. Most important in this respect
are the selectins and their ligands, such as P-selectin glycoprotein
(GP) ligand 1, and the integrins binding to Ig-like cell adhesion
molecules as well as to GP, such as von Willebrand factor, present
in the extracellular matrix or on activated endothelium. This
review aims to provide an overview of these complex interactions
and of their functional implications for inflammation and development
of cardiovascular disease.
Key Words: inflammation adhesion endothelium

INTRODUCTION
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in
the Western world and are predicted to remain so. Atherosclerosis,
the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, is a systemic inflammatory
disease. The inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis involves
chronic stimulation of the endothelial cells (EC) that line
the intima, the innermost layer of the vessel wall. In addition,
the inflammatory response is characterized by the accumulation
of inflammatory cells in the intima, thus initiating the atherogenic
process [
1
,
2
].
The role of platelets in atherosclerosis was initially only believed to be in thrombus formation upon rupture of the more developed atherosclerotic plaques. Now, platelets are also known to assist and modulate inflammatory reactions and immune responses [3
]. Therefore, platelets, together with inflammatory cells, are regarded as important players by integrating inflammatory responses, thrombosis, and atherogenesis. Activated platelets, adhered to a damaged vessel wall or to activated endothelium, have been shown to further promote local recruitment of leukocytes. As monocyte adhesion to the vascular wall, transendothelial migration, and differentiation toward macrophages are critical for the formation of atherosclerotic lesions, it is important to realize that these events are subject to regulation by platelet adhesion molecules and platelet-derived chemokines and cytokines.
Platelet activation results in an increase in circulating leukocyte-platelet aggregates. In particular, platelet-monocyte complexes (PMC) have been observed in clinical conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, hypertension [4
], acute or stable coronary syndromes [5
6
7
], stroke [8
], or diabetes [9
]. Increased levels of PMC are also an early marker of acute myocardial infarction [7
]. Conversely, high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids induces a reduction in activated platelets and PMC level [10
]. However, the presence of PMC is not just a sensitive marker for in vivo platelet activation and cardiovascular diseases but is also regarded more and more as a cardiovascular risk factor [8
, 11
].
The importance of activated platelets and PMC in vascular disease is underscored by several studies that showed that prevention of platelet adhesion to monocytes by interfering with the binding of platelet P-selectin to P-selectin glycoprotein (GP) ligand 1 (PSGL-1) reduces inflammation. Infusion of human recombinant (r)PSGL-1 in animal models of vascular injury preserved vascular endothelial function [12
, 13
]. Also, the absence of P-selectin in mice diminishes lesion formation [14
, 15
]. Furthermore, infusion of activated but not of P-selectin-deficient platelets results in increased formation of atherosclerotic lesions [16
]. All of these data indicate a role of P-selectin–PSGL-1 interactions in atherosclerosis. Moreover, the platelet chemokines platelet factor 4 (PF4) and RANTES contribute to lesion progression by inducing monocyte survival and differentiation into macrophages [17
]. PF4 also facilitates the esterification and promotes the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein by macrophages and thereby, promotes foam cell development [18
]. Additionally, RANTES contributes to smooth muscle cell proliferation [19
], mediating progression to a fibrous plaque [2
].
Clearly, PMC are not merely a reflection of platelet activation, but platelet binding also leads to an activated and thus more proatherogenic monocyte phenotype, not only by inducing expression and secretion of cytokines and active substances from platelets and monocytes but most importantly, by amplifying monocyte adhesion and migration and by promoting monocyte differentiation toward macrophages. Increased levels of PMC in patients with cardiovascular disease have so far been regarded as a parameter-reflecting disease, but in view of the above, PMC also seem able to play a key role in disease pathogenesis.
This review will discuss in more detail the molecular mechanisms involved in cell–cell interactions among platelets, monocytes, and EC and the consequences of these interactions for the development of cardiovascular diseases as well as possibilities for intervention.

PLATELET ACTIVATION AND ADHESION TO THE VASCULAR WALL
Molecular ligands
The function of blood platelets is to arrest bleeding (hemostasis)
by formation of stable blood clots following activation of the
coagulation cascade. In addition, platelets may contribute to
the integrity of the endothelium [
20
] and participate in inflammatory
processes [
21
]. Healthy, nonactivated endothelium normally
prevents adhesion of platelets to the vessel wall by its antithrombotic
properties, involving release of platelet activation-inhibiting
substances such as NO, prostacyclin, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 [
22
].
However, in an inflamed vessel wall, the endothelial phenotype
can change to prothrombotic by release of platelet-binding and
stimulating agents such as ADP and multimeric Von Willebrand
factor (VWF) and the up-regulation of expression of tissue factor
(TF) and of adhesion molecules [
23
]. VWF especially mediates
direct interaction of platelets with intact, activated EC, even
under high shear-stress conditions [
24
,
25
]. Platelet adherence
is even more stimulated upon vessel wall damage when extracellular
matrix (ECM) proteins are exposed. ECM, such as collagen and
VWF, are strong ligands of platelet GP. Rapid platelet adhesion
to the ECM followed by their activation is the primary event
in thrombus formation.
Under physiological flow conditions, platelet adhesion at sites of vascular injury involves initial tethering and rolling over the ECM and intact endothelium. This process is mediated by adhesion to VWF via the membrane adhesion receptor GP complex Ib-IX-V, also known as the VWF receptor complex, and to collagen via GPVI [26
, 27
]. Rolling on intact endothelium is also mediated by binding of GPIb to P-selectin on EC [25
, 28
]. Additionally, P-selectin and GPIb can mediate rolling interactions between platelets that are still in the circulation and those that are already adhered to the vessel wall. Finally, platelets activated already can tether and roll on PSGL-1 and GPIb on activated EC even under high shear [29
, 30
] (Fig. 1
).
Stable adhesion, however, requires additional contacts between
the platelets and the ECM or the endothelium
(Fig. 1)
. The
initial contact by GPIb-IX-V and GPVI binding to VWF and collagen,
respectively, results in platelet activation via a complex series
of intracellular reactions. As a result, the integrins

IIbβ3
(GPIIbIIIa, fibrinogen receptor) and

2β1 (collagen receptor)
are activated [
26
,
31
]. The VWF–GPIb-IX interaction
has been shown to induce Syk phosphorylation and

IIbβ3
integrin activation [
31
]. These activated integrins are required
and essential for stable platelet adhesion to the ECM and EC.
This can be through direct binding of the integrins to collagen,
VWF, or endothelial adhesion molecules or indirectly via additional
bridging molecules. The latter involves platelet-bound fibrinogen,
fibronectin, and VWF, which bind to endothelial ICAM-1,

vβ3
integrin, and GPIb, respectively [
30
,
32
]
(Fig. 1)
. The requirement
for

IIbβ3 in mediating firm adhesion of platelets to the
endothelium was shown by using platelets defective in

IIbβ3
or by adding β3-integrin antagonists or a blocking antibody
[
33
,
34
]. Conversely, in mice lacking ICAM-1, platelet adhesion
to activated EC is strongly reduced. Furthermore, JAM-A and
platelet-associated TNFSF14 (also known as LIGHT, identified
in ADP-stimulated platelets) contribute to firm adhesion of
platelets to the endothelium [
35
,
36
]
(Fig. 1)
. In conclusion,
multiple interactions between surface receptors on EC and platelets
result in firm adhesion of platelets at sites of vascular injury.
Activation of EC by adhesion of platelets
Stable binding of platelets to the endothelium or to ECM results in strong activation of these platelets, reflected by spreading and increased surface expression of adhesion molecules, such as CD40L, TNFSF14, and P-selectin, but also by secretion of potent inflammatory substances, such as IL-1β and PF4 [37
, 38
]. IL-1β is synthesized and released by platelets in significant amounts and has been identified as a key mediator of platelet-induced activation of EC, inducing MCP-1, GM-CSF, and IL-6 secretion, ICAM-1 and
vβ3 integrin expression, and NF-
B activation [39
, 40
]. CD40L (CD154) is stored in high amounts and released by platelets within seconds after GPIIbIIIa ligation [41
, 42
]. This results in stimulation of EC through the cognate receptor CD40, known to signal inflammatory reactions within EC, including increased secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1, expression of adhesion molecules, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [41
42
43
]. Also, TNFSF14 can induce an inflammatory response in EC, reflected by up-regulation of adhesion molecules (E-selectin and VCAM-1) and release of chemokines (MCP-1 and IL-8) [38
]. E-selectin expression via activation of the NF-
B pathway is also induced by platelet-released PF4 [44
]. Finally, ligation of platelet P-selectin rapidly stimulates Weibel-Palade body release, resulting in, next to VWF release, P-selectin expression on the endothelium [45
]. In conclusion, platelet adhesion endows the endothelium with a proinflammatory phenotype (Fig. 2
).
Platelets adherent to EC recruit monocytes
Atherosclerosis is characterized by monocyte and macrophage
accumulation in the vascular intima. Adhered platelets efficiently
mediate monocyte rolling and arrest, even at high shear. Rolling
is mediated by P-selectin on activated platelets and PSGL-1,
constitutively expressed on monocytes [
46
]. Besides PSGL-1,
CD15 (Lewis X) on monocytes has also been shown to bind platelet
P-selectin [
47
]. The initial association between platelet P-selectin
and monocyte PSGL-1 leads to increased expression of the β2-integrin
CD11b/CD18 [

Mβ2, membrane-activated complex 1 (Mac-1)]
on the monocytes [
48
], which itself supports interactions with
platelets. Mac-1 on leukocytes binds to GPIb [
49
] and to JAM-C
on platelets [
50
]. Besides direct interaction, similar bridging
mechanisms as described above for platelets and EC also mediate
platelet-monocyte binding. On monocytes, fibrinogen is linked
to Mac-1 and its platelet surface counterpart GPIIbIIIa [
32
].
Also, bridging by thrombospondin of the CD36 antigens (present
on monocytes and platelets) was shown [
51
]. Additional interactions
between platelets and monocytes include CD40L–CD40 [
52
]
and monocyte triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 1
(TREM-1) to platelet-expressed TREM-1 ligand [
53
,
54
] (
Fig. 3
).
Next to adhesion molecules, also, chemokines deposited on the
endothelium are facilitating recruitment of monocytes. For instance,
RANTES and PF4 can be deposited on EC by activated platelets
or platelet microparticles upon adhesion or even during transient
interaction through JAM-A or P-selectin, respectively [
16
,
55
56
57
]. The endothelial deposition of platelet-derived RANTES
has been shown to trigger further monocyte arrest on the endothelium
under high shear but not on endothelium-adherent platelets [
19
].
Also, the chemokines platelet-activating factor and MIP are
secreted by platelets adhered on the endothelium. The deposited
platelet chemokines form homophilic as well as heterophilic
aggregates, which further stimulate their biological activity.
For example, RANTES increases the binding of PF4 to the monocyte
surface [
58
]. Subsequently, PF4 drastically enhances RANTES-induced
monocyte arrest on EC [
58
], predominantly mediated by CCR1
[
59
]. Thus, platelet adhesion to the EC or ECM and chemokines
secreted by platelets greatly contribute to subsequent monocyte
adhesion to the vascular wall.

PMC—FORMATION AND FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES
Although a rare event under resting conditions, platelets in
the circulation sometimes do get activated. Different mechanisms
could be responsible for the activation of circulating platelets,
e.g., by turbulent flow, by cytokines associated with systemic
thromboembolic or inflammatory events, by released agents from
platelets from unstable thrombi [
60
], or by rolling interactions
with activated endothelium. Whatever the cause, conditions such
as systemic inflammation and acute myocardial infarction increase
the number of activated platelets in the circulation. These
activated platelets are able to bind to all types of leukocytes,
but monocytes seem most proficient in this and are therefore
the focus of our review. Comparing monocytes with neutrophils
in this respect showed more and initially faster binding of
activated platelets to monocytes [
61
,
62
]. The platelet-binding
capacity between the different subsets of monocytes is still
unknown. In mice, the inflammatory monocyte Ly-6C
hi subset,
shown to be increased dramatically in hypercholesterolemic mice
[
63
,
64
], demonstrates a higher expression of PSGL-1 [
65
].
This could contribute to the role of monocytes in atherogenesis,
although so far in human monocyte subsets, no difference in
PSGL-1 expression has been detected [
66
,
67
]. Reports about
this matter are only few, and contradicting data have also been
presented [
68
,
69
]. The link between human monocyte subsets
and formation of PMC therefore still needs further clarification.
The extent of PMC formation is mostly dependent on platelet activation [61
] and to a limited extent, on monocyte activation [70
]. Platelets bind via P-selectin, expressed on the surface of activated platelets, to its receptor on monocytes, PSGL-1 [61
]. Antibody inhibition studies indicate that the platelet-monocyte conjugation is abolished by blocking P-selectin and partially inhibited by other blocking antibodies [49
, 61
, 71
, 72
]. This indicates that platelet P-selectin is the critical ligand initiating PMC formation via binding to PSGL-1, and other ligands play only an additive role.
The in vivo circulation time and clearance of the complexes formed between activated platelets and monocytes are also not yet well-defined. In vivo, P-selectin is expressed upon platelet activation for several hours before it is shed from the surface [73
]. However, in a study using primates, Michelson et al. [74
] found that the lifespan of PMC was not related to platelet P-selectin shedding. The increased adhesive capacity of these complexes is likely to have a major influence on their clearance. Huo et al. [16
] have shown in mice that PMC, formed upon injection of activated platelets, indeed had a short circulation time. These authors also showed that the PMC were cleared by monocyte transmigration. However, in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention, which increases the level of activated platelets, PMC were detected much longer and only returned to baseline after 24 h [74
]. Finally, fagocytic uptake of the platelets by monocytes might also contribute to a reduction in PMC levels.
Monocyte activation upon platelet interaction
The binding of platelets to monocytes mediated via P-selectin–PSGL-1 interactions induces L-selectin shedding from the monocyte surface [75
] (Fig. 4
). Furthermore, this interaction between platelets and monocytes was found to increase expression and activity of the
4β1 and
Mβ2-integrins [75
, 76
]. Similarly, engagement of CD40 with CD40L, but also TREM-1 ligation, results in an increase in monocyte adhesive capacity by up-regulation of β1- and β2-integrins [54
, 77
]. The presence of the chemokines RANTES and CXCL10, deposited by platelets onto the monocytes, augments β2-integrin avidity upon PSGL-1 cross-linking [78
].
Monocyte binding to activated platelets has also been shown
to increase the production of various proinflammatory mediators
and TF expression. P-selectin–PSGL-1 interactions are
important but not exclusively responsible for these processes.
TF expression by the monocytes is reduced by a P-selectin-blocking
antibody and by IL-10, but not by a CD40L antibody [
52
,
79
80
81
].
Monocyte expression of chemokines, induced by thrombin-activated
platelets, is regulated by NF-

B activity [
82
]. Ligation of
TREM-1 or the ligation of monocyte PSGL-1 together with RANTES,
but not PF4, induces NF-

B activity and subsequently secretion
of MCP-1, TNF-

, and IL-8 [
54
,
83
,
84
], although PF4 has been
shown to induce the secretion of TNF-

by monocytes as well [
17
].
Taken together, platelet-derived chemokines, together with the
ligation of various adhesion molecules on the monocyte following
the interaction with activated platelets, induce activation
of monocytes, resulting in changes in expression of adhesion
molecules and secretion of cytokines
(Fig. 4)
.
PSGL-1 signaling
PSGL-1 plays a major role in the binding of monocytes to activated platelets. PSGL-1, however, is not only an adhesion but also a signaling molecule. PSGL-1 ligation induces production of superoxide anion radicals from monocytes and neutrophils [85
], activation of GTPase Ras as shown in neutrophils [86
], and tyrosine phosphorylation of various cytoplasmic proteins, such as pp125 focal adhesion kinase, ERK, Syk, Src kinase, and paxillin, demonstrated in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and various monocytic cellular models [86
87
88
89
]. Also PKC isoforms are activated, mediating integrin activation, shown in lymphocytes [78
] (Fig. 4)
.
The cytoplasmic tail of PSGL-1 is linked to the actin cytoskeleton through the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) proteins [90
], which is crucial for leukocyte rolling [91
]. The ERM proteins also mediate PSGL-1 association with Syk [87
], which is important for the activation of LFA-1 (
Lβ2) integrins [92
] and for the induction of serum response element-dependent transcriptional activity [87
]. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic tail of PSGL-1 also interacts with Nef-associated factor 1 (Naf1) [89
]. The Naf1-binding sites in the PSGL-1 cytoplasmic domain are distinct from the residues critical for the recognition of ERM proteins [93
]. Upon PSGL-1 engagement, Naf1 is phosphorylated via Src kinase, leading to activation of β2-integrins, which results in activation of Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) [89
, 94
]. The activation of mTOR is essential for the transcription and synthesis of uPAR and Rho kinase 1 [94
, 95
], which are both involved in adhesion and migration processes. Recently, a novel protein selectin ligand interactor cytoplasmic 1 (SLIC-1), which has no apparent signaling role upon leukocyte adhesion, was found to bind to the cytoplasmic domain of PSGL-1. SLIC-1 serves as a sorting molecule that promotes traffic of PSGL-1 to endosomes [96
]. These findings emphasize a critical role for intracellular signaling, induced by PSGL-1 in rolling, adhesion, and migration of monocytes during inflammatory responses.

PMC ADHESION AND TRANSENDOTHELIAL MIGRATION
The migration of monocytes across the vascular endothelium is
required for immune surveillance and for monocyte recruitment
at inflammatory sites. The inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis
involves chronic stimulation of the EC by lipids in the intima
[
1
2
3
]. Chronic activation of EC results in increased chemoattractant
signals and increased expression and activity of various adhesion
molecules on the cell surface that mediate adhesion to and migration
across the endothelium of inflammatory cells, initiating the
atherogenic program. Monocyte extravasation is tightly regulated
by a multi-step process of tethering, rolling, activation, adhesion,
and transmigration. As described above, platelet binding alters
the adhesive and migratory phenotype of monocytes.
Tethering and rolling
Similar to the interactions between platelets and EC under physiological flow, monocyte adhesion to the vessel wall also involves tethering and rolling over the endothelium. Rolling is mediated by monocyte-expressed L-selectin and endothelial-expressed P- and E-selectin, interacting with PSGL-1, CD44, or E-selectin-ligand-1 (ESL-1) [97
] (Fig. 5
). PSGL-1 and ESL-1 are primarily responsible for tethering and rolling of leukocytes on the endothelium; CD44 is subsequently important for reducing the rolling velocity of leukocytes after they have tethered through P- or L-selectin [98
]. Two types of monocyte tethering can be distinguished. Primary tethering occurs directly at the endothelial surface. Secondary tethering represents monocyte adhesion to other already-adhered monocytes [99
, 100
]. PMC show increased primary and secondary tethering on EC and on already-adhered inflammatory cells [101
, 102
]. Platelet binding to monocytes also results in shedding of L-selectin from the monocyte surface [75
], decreasing the rolling velocity of activated monocytes. The increased tethering and rolling, together with the L-selectin shedding, result in more monocyte adhesion upon platelet binding to the monocytes.
Monocyte activation and firm adhesion
Low velocities of rolling increase monocyte transit time through
inflamed vessels, favoring the probability of monocytes to encounter
and to be activated by chemokines or lipid mediators presented
on the endothelial surface [
103
]. During this process, chemokines
on the luminal-endothelial surface, in cooperation with PSGL-1
ligation to endothelial and platelet ligands, induce a rapid
increase in the binding affinity and avidity of β2-integrins
of the leukocytes [
104
,
105
]. Moreover, RANTES, IL-8, and
MCP-1 secreted by platelets and EC trigger arrest of rolling
monocytes on EC [
19
,
106
]. The high-affinity binding of chemokines
to specific G-protein-coupled receptors initiates the intracellular
signaling cascade from these receptors to phospholipase C signaling,
activation of small GTPases (Rap1), and transitional changes
in integrin conformation through the association with actin-binding
proteins, as shown in lymphocytes and monocytes [
107
108
109
].
On monocytes, the

4β1 (VLA-4) integrin is known to further
slow the selectin ligand-dependent rolling, which leads to stable
adhesion [
110
]. Leukocyte arrest is induced further by leukocyte
integrins

Lβ2 (LFA-1) or

Mβ2 (Mac-1) and VLA-4 ligation
by the endothelial Ig superfamily members ICAM-1 and VCAM-1,
respectively [
107
]
(Fig. 5)
. JAM-A also contributes to monocyte
adhesion to atherosclerotic endothelium through its binding
to LFA-1 [
111
] and indirectly through its homophilic binding
to platelet JAM-A, supporting adhesion of PMC. Importantly,
PMC have induced integrin expression and activity compared with
platelet-free monocytes, increasing monocyte adhesion and transmigration
capacity.
Transmigration
Upon binding of monocytes to the vessel wall, chemokines from the underlying intima stimulate them to migrate through the endothelial monolayer into the subendothelial space. The EC participate actively in the transmigration event. During transendothelial migration, the cell–cell junctions disengage transiently and locally to allow the leukocyte to cross [112
, 113
].
Rolling and adhesion of leukocytes over activated endothelium are accompanied by a complex response from the EC, involving extensive reorganization of the endothelial actin cytoskeleton and the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. One of the results is a pronounced morphological response of the EC by forming "docking structures" [114
] or "transmigratory cups" [115
]. In these structures, integrin ligands, such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, are concentrated [114
]. Leukocyte adhesion and ligation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and the subsequent increase in endothelial actin stress-fiber formation and monolayer permeability are controlled by the GTPases RhoA, Rac1, and Rap1 in the EC [112
].
The junctional adhesion receptors PECAM-1, CD99, and JAMs also actively mediate leukocyte transendothelial migration through homophilic interactions [116
117
118
]. In addition, adherent monocytes interact, via their β2- and β1-integrins, with JAM family members at the most apical regions of the interendothelial junctions. Bradfield et al. [119
] discovered a novel role for endothelial JAM-C in mice in regulating monocyte retention in the abluminal compartment after primary transmigration in vivo. Blockade of JAM-B/-C decreased the number of monocytes in the extravascular compartment by allowing multiple reverse-transmigration events. The involvement of the JAMs in endothelial permeability and monocyte adhesion and transmigration suggests a broad relevance for JAMs in vascular inflammation. This is corroborated further by a large number of studies that have established a role for, in particular, JAM-A and JAM-C in various inflammation-related models, revealing a role for these adhesion molecules in leukocyte recruitment, neointimal lesion formation, as well as angiogenesis [110
, 120
].
PMC show increased transmigration compared with platelet-free monocytes [75
, 121
]. We have observed that the platelets do not remain attached to the monocyte following transmigration [121
] but instead, are shed from the monocyte as a result of monocytic PSGL-1 redistribution and mechanical stress. Thus, it can be concluded that platelet binding to monocytes results in increased monocyte adhesion and transmigration and subsequent platelet deposition on the endothelium.

INTERVENTION POSSIBILITIES
A number of therapeutic molecules have been used to investigate
the inhibition of PMC, including clopidogrel (inhibition of
ADP-mediated platelet activation) and Abciximab (GPIIbIIIa antibody).
Clopidogrel greatly reduces PMC in patients with atherosclerotic
diseases and has been shown to reduce P-selectin expression
and CD40L release [
122
123
124
]. Although some studies suggest
otherwise by reporting an increase in the expression of RANTES
upon clopidogrel administration [
125
], much evidence points
to an efficient inhibition of PMC formation by clopidogrel.
In contrast, Abciximab did not significantly reduce the formation
of PMC [
126
]. Although Abciximab resulted in vitro in less
platelet binding to monocytes and a decrease in TF expression
on monocytes, no effects or even an increase in PMC levels are
observed [
126
,
127
]. Furthermore, there are some studies with
aspirin, another platelet aggregation inhibitor, that show no
or very little effect on PMC formation [
122
,
124
,
128
]. As
traditional platelet activation inhibitors show varying success
in preventing PMC formation, P-selectin and PSGL-1 are logical,
potential targets for intervention with antibodies or recombinant
proteins. Use of rPSGL-1 in animal models indeed results in
reduced platelet and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and
better vascular function after injury [
12
,
13
,
129
]. Also,
targeting CD40L or RANTES may be beneficial. RANTES receptor
antagonists inhibit the infiltration of monocytes and limit
atherosclerotic plaque formation in proatherogenic mice models
[
55
,
130
,
131
]. PMC represent a potential therapeutic target
for limiting cardiovascular diseases. Targeting inhibition of
proinflammatory platelet activation or interaction, in contrast
to targeting platelet aggregation, is a good candidate for a
future drug.
Conclusions and future considerations
Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease involve multifactorial mechanisms with interactions among coagulation, platelets, monocytes, and EC with multiple adhesion molecules, chemokines, and receptors involved. However, the increased monocyte adhesion to and transmigration across the endothelium seem to be the most important factors in accelerating atherogenesis. Platelets and EC can actively stimulate these processes. Platelet interaction with the monocyte—in the circulation or at the vessel wall itself—results in monocyte activation, which subsequently becomes more adhesive, more migratory, more procoagulant (TF) and proinflammatory, and more prone to differentiate into a macrophage. Additionally, the monocytes and platelets, each individually and also bound in a complex, contribute to an inflammatory phenotype of the endothelium. This results in further increased adhesion of monocytes and platelets and activation of these cells. From these observations, platelet–monocyte conjugates are now considered as proatherogenic.
Many unknowns, however, remain to be investigated in the future. Although we can conclude that platelet activation, much more than monocyte activation, is crucial for PMC formation, the kinetics and lifespan of the complexes, however, are still described insufficiently and are dependent on the conditions investigated. Furthermore, the platelet-dependent activation of monocytes depends on the adhesive interactions with platelets but also on platelet-released agents. The signaling pathways that are switched on will therefore be an aggregate of different systems. The latter will also be a factor determining to what extent this activation is reversible or will lead to transcriptional changes and to a more permanent phenotypic adaptation of the monocyte. Defining the key players in platelet-induced monocyte signaling in the near future will likely enable therapy to focus on preventing the relevant platelet and or monocyte activation pathways and with it, to generate tools to attenuate inflammatory vascular disease. Diverse intervention strategies are being explored and may hold good promise, especially when platelets, monocytes, and EC can be targeted simultaneously. In this respect, although studies in our group have shown that EC also express PSGL-1 [29
], therapeutic targeting of the latter should receive more attention. The role of PSGL-1, apart from binding activated platelets, namely, might also include EC activation. This represents an important topic for further study and perhaps future therapy.
Received July 6, 2008;
revised September 1, 2008;
accepted September 2, 2008.

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