Platelets and the inflammatory axis. Shown and discussed in the text are circulating platelet properties that influence the inflammatory axis. Long studied for roles in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets interact with granulocytes, vessel walls, and pathogens, positioning them to modulate the inflammatory response via both anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory mechanisms. Future studies must consider the state of platelet activation and how this affects the inflammatory response. Antiplatelet therapies traditionally considered only for cardiovascular disease treatment also can be evaluated for their effects on inflammation.