LL-37 Triggers Antimicrobial Activity in Human Platelets

Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis and the immune response, mainly by recognizing signals associated with vascular damage. However, it has recently been discovered that the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 activates platelets in functions related to thrombus formation and inflammation. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the effect of LL-37 on the activation of antimicrobial functions of human platelets. Our results show that platelets treated with LL-37 increase the surface expression of receptors (Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and -4, CD32, CD206, Dectin-1, CD35, LOX-1, CD41, CD62P, and αIIbβ3 integrins) for the recognition of microorganisms, and molecules related to antigen presentation to T lymphocytes (CD80, CD86, and HLA-ABC) secrete the antimicrobial molecules: bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), azurocidin, human neutrophil peptide (HNP) -1, and myeloperoxidase. They also translate azurocidin, and have enhanced binding to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the supernatant of LL-37-treated platelets can inhibit E. coli growth, or platelets can employ their LL-37 to inhibit microbial growth. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that LL-37 participates in the antimicrobial function of human platelets

Human Platelets Contain, Translate, and Secrete Azurocidin; A Novel Effect on Hemostasis

Platelets play a significant role in hemostasis and perform essential immune functions, evidenced by the extensive repertoire of antimicrobial molecules. Currently, there is no clear description of the presence of azurocidin in human platelets. Azurocidin is a 37 kDa cationic protein abundant in neutrophils, with microbicidal, opsonizing, and vascular permeability-inducing activity. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize the content, secretion, translation, and functions of azurocidin in platelets. Our results show the presence of azurocidin mRNA and protein in α-granules of platelet and megakaryoblasts, and stimulation with thrombin, ADP, and LPS leads to the secretion of free azurocidin as well as within extracellular vesicles. In addition, platelets can translate azurocidin in a basal or thrombin-induced manner. Finally, we found that the addition of low concentrations of azurocidin prevents platelet aggregation and activation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that platelets contain, secrete, and translate azurocidin, and this protein may have important implications for hemostasis