Using a radiolabeled platelet glycoprotein VI-based ECM-targeting fusion protein (GPVI-Fc), we investigated how binding of GPVI-Fc on fibrous tissue could uncover the progression of several inflammatory disease models at different stages (rheumatoid arthritis, cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity, lung inflammation and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis).
The role for GPVI in platelet function in inflammation and in the evolution and treatment of major illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and sepsis is also discussed.
This demonstrates that the SNPs tested within the GPVI gene are not associated with RA susceptibility and/or severity, suggesting that platelet GPVI may contribute to arthritis independently of its gene polymorphism.