Development and Characterization of Monoclonal Antiplatelet Autoantibodies From Autoimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Prone (NZW X BXSB)F, Mice

Male (NZW X BXSB)F1 (W/BF,) mice develop systemic autoimmunity involving autoantibodies, progressive thrombocytopenia, lupus nephritis, and degenerative coronary vascular disease with myocardial infarction. Plateletassociated IgG (PAIgG) on the platelet surface mediates platelet destruction by the reticuloendothelial system in the autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) of W/ BF1 mice. Because the epitopes targeted in ATP by PAlgG have not been identifiable using serum from thrombocytopenic W/BFl mice, we developed seven hybridomas secreting antiplatelet monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) using splenocytes of thrombocytopenic W/BFl mice. Epitopes recognized by three MoAbs were similar to those recognized by PAIgG, because eluted lgG from platelets of thrombocytopenic W/BFl mice inhibited platelet binding