HPA-1a alloantibodies reduce endothelial cell spreading and monolayer integrity

Mol Immunol. 2009 Jan;46(3):406-15. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.10.015. Epub 2008 Nov 26.

Abstract

Maternal human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a alloantibodies causing neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia can bind also to endothelium, via the beta3-integrin (CD61). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HPA-1a Abs on endothelial cell function, with emphasis on monolayer integrity. We used a CD61 mAb as a model for the HPA-1a alloantibodies and confirmed the results with purified IgG fractions from HPA-1a alloimmunized women. The effect of these antibodies was examined by monitoring the adhesion, spreading, and monolayer integrity of primary HUVECs with conventional adhesion assays as well as electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing. We found that both the mAb CD61 and the HPA-1a antibodies caused a significant reduction in HUVEC spreading. Moreover, addition of the mAb CD61 and the HPA-1a antibodies prior to or following formation of a stable endothelial monolayer negatively affected endothelial monolayer integrity, which was accompanied by a redistribution of junctional proteins. Our data suggest that HPA-1a alloantibodies have a direct effect on endothelial cell spreading and monolayer integrity, which could contribute to the increased bleeding tendency in children with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / pharmacology
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Antigens, Human Platelet / immunology*
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane Permeability / drug effects
  • Cell Movement* / drug effects
  • Electric Impedance
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Integrin beta3
  • Isoantibodies / immunology*
  • Umbilical Cord / cytology
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Human Platelet
  • Cadherins
  • ITGB3 protein, human
  • Integrin beta3
  • Isoantibodies
  • cadherin 5