HLA‐C Expression on Platelets: Studies with an HLA‐Cw1‐Specific Human Monoclonal Antibody

Abstract

These results confirm that platelets indeed express HLA-C. Furthermore, the results support the insignificant role of HLA-C in immunological platelet refractoriness.

Incidence and specificity of HLA antibodies in multitransfused patients with acquired aplastic anemia

“…Antibodies with specificity for HLA‐A1 CREGs associated with HLA‐A2 and alleles of the HLA‐A19 complex 70 were not identified in this study. HLA‐C is not considered to play a significant role in PR 73 and our data support this. Data regarding possible “passive” transfer of antibodies through transfusion were not available.…”

Platelet transfusion refractoriness

“…Although platelets express HLA‐C antigens on their surface, and antibodies against HLA‐C antigens can cause immune‐mediated refractoriness (Saito et al , 2002), platelets are not routinely matched for HLA‐C antigens (Datema et al , 2000). HLA‐D and HLA‐DR are not detected on the platelet surface (Menitove & Duquesnoy, 1981); thus, platelets are only matched at the HLA‐A and ‐B loci.…”

Human Leukocyte and Granulocyte Antigens and Antibodies: The HLA and HNA Systems

“…38,39 HLA class I molecules are also expressed by platelets 40 and are responsible for refractoriness after multiple transfusion. HLA class I molecules are expressed by most nucleated cells with the exception of germinal cells; HLA class II molecules are expressed mainly by specialized antigen-presenting cells.…”