Platelets and MKs During Infection

Megakaryocyte-mediated platelet changes during infection

Platelets are anucleated cell fragments that come from their precursor the megakaryocyte. Due to the lack of a nucleus, any major changes in mRNA and protein levels in platelets are due to changes in megakaryocytes. A major focus in our lab is outlining the molecular mechanisms and pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptors that are responsible for sensing viral infections and how these receptors are reflected in platelets.