During infections, the host responds with a number of different defence mechanisms, of which a haemostatic mechanism is a prominent one. Some infectious agents can compromise the haemostatic response. Increased levels of vWF in its GPIb binding conformation and thrombocytopenia are the first biomarkers when healthy volunteers are infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Also in other infectious diseases thrombocytopenia is one of the first hallmarks. On the other hand, haemostasis is involved in innate immunity. Recently, we have found that ß2-glycoprotein I can neutralise LPS induced tissue factor expression in cells and that low ß2-glycoprotein I levels correlate with the risk of developing DIC.
Specific aims:
To understand the role of ß2-glycoprotein I, vWF and platelets in inflammation and innate immunity
Project leader: Prof.dr. Ph.G. de Groot