Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: new evidence for the dynamic binding of purified anti-PF4-heparin antibodies to platelets and the resultant platelet activation

Immune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is associated with antibodies directed against a complex of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin. We were able to affinity purify anti-PF4-heparin IgG (HIT IgG) from the plasma of 2 patients with HIT. Under conditions that were more physiological and sens itive than those in previous studies, we observed that this HIT IgG caused platelet aggregation on the addition of heparin. Platelets activated with H IT IgG increased their release and surface expression of PF4. We quantitate d, for the first time, the binding of affinity-purified HIT iodine 125-IgG to platelets as they activated in a plasma milieu. Binding of the HIT IgG w as dependent on heparin and required some degree of platelet activation. Bl ocking the platelet Fc gamma RII with the monoclonal antibody IV.3 did not prevent HIT IgG binding to activated platelets. We concluded that anti-PF4- heparin IgG is the component in these HIT plasmas that induces platelet agg regation. The Fab region of HIT IgG binds to PF4-heparin on the surface of activated platelets, We propose that only then does the Fc portion of the b ound IgG further activate the same or adjacent platelets through the Fc rec eptor. Our data support a dynamic model of platelet activation in which rel eased PF4 enhances further antibody binding and more release. (Blood. 2000; 96:182-187) (C) 2000 by The American Society of Hematology.