It has become clear that platelets are not simply cell fragments that plug the leak in a
damaged blood vessel; they are, in fact, also key components in the innate immune system,
which is supported by the presence of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) on platelets. As the cells
that respond first to a site of injury, they are well placed to direct the immune response to
deal with any resulting exposure to pathogens. The response is triggered by bacteria
binding to platelets, which usually triggers platelet activation and the secretion of …