Platelet–Monocyte Aggregate Instigates Inflammation and Vasculopathy in Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a severe acute febrile illness and systemic vasculitis that causes coronary artery aneurysms in young children. Platelet hyperreactivity and an aberrant immune response are key indicators of KD; however, the mechanism by which hyperactive platelets contribute to inflammation and vasculopathy in KD remains unclear. A cytokine-mediated positive feedback loop between KD platelets and monocytes is identified. KD platelet–monocyte aggregates (MPAs) are mediated by an initial interaction of P-selectin (cluster of differentiation 62P, CD62p) and its glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). This is followed by a coordinated interaction of platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ibα with monocyte CD11b. Monocyte-activated platelets initiate transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 release, which results in nuclear localization of nuclear factor kappaB in monocytes, therefore, driving the phenotypic conversion of classical monocytes (CD14⁺CD16⁻) into proinflammatory monocytes (CD14⁺CD16⁺). The platelet-activated monocytes release interleukin-1 and tissue necrotic factor-α, which promote further platelet activation. KD-induced inflammation and vasculopathy are prevented by inhibiting the components of this positive feedback loop. Notably, mice deficient in platelet TGFβ1 show less MPA and CD14⁺CD16⁺ monocytes, along with reduced inflammation and vasculopathy. These findings reveal that platelet–monocyte interactive proteins (CD62p/PSGL-1 and (GP)Ibα/CD11b) and cytokine mediators (platelet TGFβ1) are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for KD vasculopathy.