Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia

● Symptoms and Causes  

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a heterogeneous disease with a complex pathogenesis sustained by a positive feedback loop. After the loss of self‐tolerance, T helper cells(Th) promote the generation of autoantibody‐producing B cells and/or autoreactive cytotoxic T cells (Tc). Autoantibodies can opsonize platelets, leading to their splenic and hepatic clearance by macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system. Macrophages can then serve as one type of antigen presenting cell (APC), propagating the cycle. Dendritic cells can also serve as APCs. Tc can destroy platelets in the blood or spleen. Autoantibodies and autoreactive Tc might target megakaryocytes in the bone marrow,  inhibiting platelet production. Thus, ITP is a disorder of both platelet destruction and decreased platelet production.

Lv Y, Shi H, Liu H, Zhou L. Current therapeutic strategies and perspectives in refractory ITP: What have we learned recently? Front Immunol. 2022 Aug 8;13:953716.