Glycoprotein VI platelet receptor (GPVI)

Glycoprotein VI platelet receptor (GPVI) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed exclusively on platelets. It serves as a major physiological receptor for collagen exposed at sites of vascular injury. Structurally, it belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and forms a complex with the Fc receptor gamma-chain on the platelet membrane. Upon binding collagen—particularly types I, III, and VI—GPVI initiates intracellular signaling via ITAM phosphorylation on its associated FcR gamma-chain, leading to robust platelet activation, secretion responses, recruitment of additional platelets, and thrombus formation under flow conditions. This process is essential for normal hemostasis but also contributes critically to pathological arterial thrombosis following plaque rupture in cardiovascular disease. Deficiency or dysfunction of GPVI results in defective collagen-induced aggregation but usually only mild bleeding symptoms in humans. Because blockade or modulation of this pathway can reduce thrombus formation without severely compromising overall hemostasis compared to other antiplatelet strategies like dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), GPVI has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target, especially for prevention or treatment of myocardial infarction and stroke.

Other names

Platelet glycoprotein VIGP6 (gene symbol)Collagen receptor (platelet-specific context)

Drugs targeting this molecule typically act by: - Inhibiting the binding of collagen to GPVI, thereby blocking platelet activation and aggregation induced by vascular injury or plaque rupture. - Preventing downstream signaling through the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) pathway associated with the FcR gamma-chain complexed with GPVI.