Researchers discover the unexpected role of platelets in immune response

(Université Laval) Platelets play a much bigger role in our immune system than previously thought, according to Université Laval researchers. In addition to their role in coagulation and healing, platelets also act as the immune system's first responders when a virus, bacterium, or allergen enters the bloodstream. This discovery opens the door to new ways to treat patients with septic shock caused by viral or bacterial infection and people with auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis an...