Researchers at the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich Heine University have shown that the interaction between platelets and erythrocytes via the proteins CD36 and TSP-1 promotes both thrombosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study, led by Margitta Elvers and Markus Wagenhäuser, was published in Circulation Research and opens up new therapeutic approaches.

Both diseases share cellular pathomechanisms: overactivated platelets and coagulation-promoting erythrocytes intensify through direct contact. Previous work by the group has already identified a Fas-ligand-Fas receptor mechanism; now the CD36-TSP-1 axle complements this. In mouse models, blocking these signaling pathways protected against both thromboses, which causes heart attacks and strokes, and aneurysms, which are caused by weakening of the vessel wall and inflammation.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms often remain symptom-free until life-threatening rupture; there are no drug options, only surgery reduces the risk. The findings could enable targeted inhibitions that slow down aneurysms and prevent thrombosis.

The German Diabetes Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the German Center for Cardiovascular Research, the University of Münster, the University Hospital Tübingen and OxProtect GmbH were involved. The project was funded by the German Research Foundation in Transregio 259.

This common molecular basis could improve evidence-based treatments for cardiovascular causes of death, which occur millions of times worldwide.

Original Paper:

Interplay Between Thrombospondin-1 and CD36 Modulates Platelet-RBC Interaction in Thrombosis and abdominal Aneurysm Formation
k. J. Krott, T. Feige, A. Bosbach, A. N. Beele, I. Krüger, F. Reusswig, E. Schickentanz-Dey, S. Pfeiler, A. chadt, M. Kelm, N. Gerdes, K. Jurk, K. Kiouptsi, C. Reinhardt, H. Al-Hasani, B. E. Kehrel, S. Karray, M. M. Chatterjee, H. Schelzig, M. U. Wagenhäuser, M. Elvers. Circulation Research 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.125.326701

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.