Semin Thromb Hemost 2008; 34(3): 236-250
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082267
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Antiphospholipid Antibodies and the Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Pathogenic Mechanisms

Silvia S. Pierangeli1 , Pojen P. Chen2 , Elena Raschi3 , Silvia Scurati3 , Claudia Grossi3 , Maria Orietta Borghi3 , Ivan Palomo4 , E. Nigel Harris5 , Pier Luigi Meroni3
  • 1Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
  • 2Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
  • 3Department of Internal Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, and Allergy, Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
  • 4Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Immunohematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Talca, Talca, Chile
  • 5Vice Chancellor, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 August 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Antiphospholipid antibodies (Abs) are associated with thrombosis and are a risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss and obstetric complications in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome. It is generally accepted that the major autoantigen for aPL Abs is β2 glycoprotein I, which mediates the binding of aPL Abs to target cells (i.e., endothelial cells, monocytes, platelets, trophoblasts, etc.) leading to thrombosis and fetal loss.

This article addresses molecular events triggered by aPL Abs on endothelial cells, platelets, and monocytes and complement activation, as well as a review of the current knowledge with regard to the putative receptor(s) recognized by aPL Abs on target cells as well as novel mechanisms that involve fibrinolytic processes. A section is devoted to the description of thrombotic and inflammatory processes that lead to obstetric complications mediated by aPL Abs.

Based on experimental evidence using in vitro and in vivo models, new targeted therapies for treatment and/or prevention of thrombosis and pregnancy loss in antiphospholipid syndrome are proposed.

REFERENCES

Silvia S PierangeliPh.D. 

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch

301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1165

Email: sspieran@utmb.edu