Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6113827 | Seminars in Hematology | 2013 | 11 Pages |
Abstract
Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder characterized by autoantibody-mediated enhanced platelet destruction and dysmegakaryocytopoiesis. B cells have been demonstrated to play critical roles in the pathophysiology of ITP. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are crucial cytokines supporting survival and differentiation of B cells, and dysregulation of BAFF/APRIL is involved in the pathogenesis of B-cell related autoimmune diseases including ITP. Currently ongoing clinical trials using BAFF and/or APRIL-blocking agents have yielded positive results in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), further confirming the pathological role of BAFF/APRIL in autoimmunity. This review will describe the function of BAFF/APRIL and address the feasibility of BAFF/APRIL inhibition in the management of ITP.
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Authors
Xin-guang Liu, Ming Hou,