HMGB1 and atherosclerosis: In sterile inflammation (e.g., atherosclerosis), platelets bind damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), activate signaling pathways such as MAPK and NF-κB, and release potent inflammatory mediators like HMGB1 (55, 56) Additionally, they interact with bacteria, initiate immune responses, and release inflammatory mediators through Toll-like receptors (TLRs), aiding in pathogen defense (55) Platelets also play a crucial role in cancer metastasis by cloaking circulating tumor cells, promoting endothelial adhesion, and facilitating tumor invasion and metastasis (57, 58).