We have recently shown that platelet ITAM receptor CLEC‐2 is a key regulator of macrophage activation and recruitment in a mouse model of acute respiratory distress syndrome and polymicrobial peritonitis.83, 86 The protective role of CLEC‐2 is dependent on its interaction with podoplanin upregulated on inflammatory macrophages. This evidence concerns the gene CLEC1B and acute respiratory distress syndrome.