Optimization of a murine immunization model for study of PF4/heparin antibodies.

ABSTRACT:

Summary background

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening thrombotic illness caused by drug-dependent antibodies recognizing complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin. Little is known about the immune pathogenesis of HIT, in particular factors influencing PF4/heparin antibody formation. To gain insight into the biologic basis of heparin sensitization, we have recently developed an animal model using wild-type (WT) mice in which murine PF4/heparin antibodies (anti-mPF4/H) arise de novo after antigen challenge.

Objectives and methods

This report describes technical refinements to the murine model and describes additional biologic features of the immune response to mPF4/heparin.

Results

Our studies indicate that antibody responses to mPF4/hep

SUBMITTER: Suvarna S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3711941 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature