Human cytomegalovirus-platelet interaction triggers toll-like receptor 2-dependent proinflammatory and proangiogenic responses.

Objective: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that correlates with various clinical complications, including atherosclerosis. HCMV is released into the circulation during primary infection and periodic viral reactivation, allowing virus-platelet interactions. Platelets are important in the onset and development of atherosclerosis, but the consequences of platelet-HCMV interactions are unclear.

Platelets mediate oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced monocyte extravasation and foam cell formation.

Objective: A growing body of evidence indicates that platelets contribute to the onset and progression of atherosclerosis by modulating immune responses. We aimed to elucidate the effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) on platelet-monocyte interactions and the consequences of these interactions on platelet phagocytosis, chemokine release, monocyte extravasation, and foam cell formation.

Approach And Results: Confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analysis revealed that in vitro and in vivo stimulation with OxLDL resulted in rapid formation of platelet-monocyte aggregates, with a preference for CD16+ monocyte subsets.