Platelet surface receptors mediating hemostasis at sites of vascular injury

Platelet surface receptors are a diverse group of membrane proteins that orchestrate the response of platelets to vascular injury. This group includes adhesion receptors like the Glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex and Glycoprotein VI, which recognize von Willebrand factor and collagen in the exposed subendothelial matrix, respectively [Rivera et al., 2009]. Following initial adhesion, activation receptors such as the G protein-coupled receptors P2Y12 and Protease-activated receptors (PAR1 and PAR4) respond to soluble agonists like ADP and thrombin to amplify the platelet response [Gachet, 2006]. The final common pathway of platelet activation involves the conformational change of Integrin alpha-IIb beta-3 (GPIIb/IIIa), which enables platelet aggregation via fibrinogen bridging [Shattil et al., 1998]. Because of their central role in arterial thrombosis, these receptors are primary targets for antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke [Angiolillo et al., 2017]. Pharmacological modulation of these receptors, while effective in reducing ischemic events, carries an inherent risk of bleeding complications due to the impairment of physiological hemostasis [Serebruany et al., 2004].

Other names

Platelet surface receptorsPlatelet adhesion and activation receptorsPlatelet glycoproteinsThrombocyte surface receptors

Inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation through the antagonism of specific surface receptors, including P2Y12 (ADP receptor), PAR1 (thrombin receptor), and Integrin alpha-IIb beta-3 (fibrinogen receptor) [Angiolillo et al., 2017].