Figure adapted from [259]. Various platelet receptors can mediate binding to viral particles, where pattern recognition receptors recognize viral signals, viral products and also modulate platelet function. Platelets mediate viral attack by secreting virucidal proteins and by engulfing viral particles, as well as by interacting with immune cells and enhancing the immune response. Virus-platelet aggregates and platelets with a viral load are targeted by leukocytes, and platelets are ultimately cleared from the circulation (Figure created with https://biorender.com/).