Platelet transfusions can induce transplantation tolerance

Immunol Lett. 1982 Jul;5(1):35-9. doi: 10.1016/0165-2478(82)90088-8.

Abstract

Recently we have shown that the induction of antibodies against the H-2 antigens after multiple platelet transfusions is due to leukocyte contamination of the platelet suspensions. Pure platelets are not able to induce a primary antibody response. The present study shows that the platelets, however, can be recognized by the immune system but they induce a suppression of the response. Mice pretreated with donor platelets will not give a primary antibody response upon a subsequent injection of donor leukocytes and the survival of donor skin grafts will be prolonged. Similar results were obtained by pretreatment of the responder mice with heat-treated donor leukocytes. Furthermore, repeated injections of heat-treated leukocytes of the recipient strain to the donor before bone marrow grafting, will delay graft-versus-host mortality. These data show that cells which have only class I antigens on their surface and no activating class II antigens, induce a suppression of the response against class I antigens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • Blood Transfusion*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Graft Survival
  • Hot Temperature
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Leukocytes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Platelet Transfusion*
  • Transplantation Immunology*