title: Cellular immune mechanisms in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: An update.
abstract: Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) is a bleeding disorder in which autoantibodies are directed against an individual's own platelets, leading to enhanced clearance through Fc receptor (R)-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages residing in the reticuloendothelial system (RES), particularly in the spleen. The production of IgG autoantibodies is critically dependent on cellular immune mechanisms particularly relating to T cells. We review the recent literature of the cell-mediated immunology of AITP focusing on platelet phenotype, genetics, T-cell reactivities, and cytokine profiles in patients with AITP. Understanding the interaction between these cell-mediated mechanisms is vital for developing antigen specific immunotherapies to treat this autoimmune disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada.
authors.forename: Malini D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Coopamah
authors.forename: M Bernadette
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Garvey
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Freedman
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Semple
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D006680:HLA Antigens