Therefore we 1) demonstrate that the platelet CLEC-2-podoplanin signaling axis is a novel regulator of lung inflammation in mouse 2), emphasize the complex role platelets play during mouse ARDS, and 3) identify the platelet CLEC-2-podoplanin pathway as a possible novel target for therapeutic intervention in patients at risk of developing ARDS. This evidence concerns the gene CLEC1B and acute respiratory distress syndrome.