beta2-glycoprotein I, the playmaker of the antiphospholipid syndrome.
From its discovery in the early 60s till the beginning of the 90s, there was not much interest in plasma protein beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GPI). The finding that beta2-GPI acts as an essential cofactor for the detection of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) tremendously increased the interest in beta2-GPI [Lancet 335 (1990) 1544; Lancet 336 (1990) 177; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 87 (1990) 4120]. It is now generally accepted that autoantibodies directed towards beta2-GPI are not only a serological marker but that they are involved in the pathology of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In this review, we will first discuss the biochemistry of the protein beta2-GPI and the influence that the antibodies have on the function of beta2-GPI. Next, we will discuss the problems that are faced when assays to detect the presence of the autoantibodies are performed, emphasizing the urgent need for standardization of the anti-beta2-GPI-ELISA. Finally, we will discuss our latest insights into beta2-GPI and its role in the pathology of APS. Thereby, we will focus on the role of dimerized beta2-GPI on platelet and endothelial cell function.
Bas de Laat
H
H
Department of Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Derksen
Ronald H W M
RH
de Groot
Philip G
PG
D000818:Animals; D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019281:Dimerization; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000592:standards; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D053482:beta 2-Glycoprotein I
D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid; D006023:Glycoproteins; D053482:beta 2-Glycoprotein I