Autoantigenic Epitopes on Platelet Glycoproteins

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by early platelet destruction mediated by antiplatelet autoantibodies. Platelet membrane glycoproteins (GP), especially GPIIb-IIIa and GPIb-IX, contain major autoantigenic determinants in chronic ITP. Recent advances in the localization of autoantigens as well as in the detection of GP-specific antibodies have improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. The N-terminal globular head of GPIIb-IIIa, particularly the β-propeller domain in GPIIb, seems to play an important role as a hot spot for autoantigenic epitopes in chronic ITP.