P-selectin and MAC-1 mediate monocyte rolling and adhesion to ECM-bound platelets under flow conditions

Accumulation of monocyte-derived foam cells in focal areas of the atherosclerotic (A.S.-) lesion is one of the key events in early atherogenesis. Using a flow model for the damaged vessel wall, we examined the ability of ECM-bound platelets to induce monocyte tethering and adhesion. Whereas ECM-proteins alone induced monocyte adhesion only at low shear stresses (< 100 mPa), ECM-bound platelets induced monocyte rolling and adhesion at shear stresses up to 240 mPa. Studies with specific antibodies showed that monocyte adhesion to platelets was mainly mediated by P-selectin and monocyte PSGL-1 (maximum inhibition 90%). β₂-Integrin blocking CD18 and CD11b antibodies partly inhibited the arrest of rolling cells. Antibodies against other adhesion molecules such as LFA-1, PECAM-1, and β₁-integrins had no effect. Even sparsely adhered platelets (~ 10% coverage of the surface) already strongly supported monocyte tethering. In conclusion, activated platelets present on ECM are a powerful adhesive substrate for monocyte recruitment under flow conditions.