Humanized murine models of platelet function.

Purpose of review: In this review, we will describe murine models developed to examine human platelet function.

Recent findings: Platelets are critical cells necessary to regulate hemostasis after vessel injury. However, excessive platelet activation can lead to thrombotic complications. Preclinical/translational models are critical in developing therapeutics against platelet activation and to understand mechanistically how platelets function. Researchers have relied on murine models to study platelet function in vivo due to ease of establishing genetic knockouts as well as their lower cost and high throughput nature compared to larger animal models. However, while murine platelets are similar to human based on transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, there are significant differences between the two species, which limits their translation to the human system. To overcome these hurdles, investigators have targeted human platelet genes into the murine genome to express human receptors in mouse platelets. In addition, transfusion models of human platelets into mice have provided valuable insight into human platelet function.

Summary: Murine models are a value tool to examine platelet function in hemostasis and thrombosis. Continued focus on developing mouse models where platelets resemble those circulating in humans will offer valuable insight into important pathways, which may be targeted in the future.