Immunomodulatory role and therapeutic potential of thrombospondin-1 during infectious diseases and autoimmunity

Infectious diseases and autoimmunity are leading causes of mortality worldwide. The lack of vaccines and resistance to current treatments by microbes highlight the importance of developing novel therapeutics. Similarly, treatments for autoimmune diseases are limited and require improved approaches. Identifying relevant proteins involved in host defense and tolerance to self-antigens is key to designing novel therapeutic strategies. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a host glycoprotein involved in host defense and inflammation. Here, we analyze how TSP-1 interacts with different ligands involved in immunity. Then, we discuss the roles of TSP-1 in infection and autoimmunity to finally examine the therapeutic potential of TSP-1.