The incomparable platelet: Holy Alveoli!

Abstract

In this issue of Blood, Tsukiji et al report on the consequences of platelet–lymphatic interactions in the lung, namely the influence of platelet activation with release of platelet transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on lung development.1 The small but mighty platelet continues to amaze as functions beyond canonical roles in hemostasis and thrombosis are being discovered at a rapid rate. Key roles in inflammation, autoimmunity, and metastasis have recently been elucidated. One wonders how many more tricks the platelet has up its sleeve.