Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are associated with thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and fetal loss but they occur in a variety of diseases. Despite many efforts, a correlation between the specificity of particular subgroups of APA and particular clinical situations remains to be established. The antigens at the origin of APA remain to be identified. We discuss here the possible links between cell apoptosis or necrosis, leading to plasma membrane alterations, and the occurrence of APA in response to sustained stimulation. The pathogenic potential of APA is also considered with respect to recurrent pregnancy loss. Infec. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 5:176–180, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Highlights
ROUTINE DETECTION OF ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIESAntiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are frequently detected in routine laboratory practice
Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are associated with thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and fetal loss but they occur in a variety of diseases
Some other phospholipid-binding proteins like kininogens, protein C, protein S or annexin V could expose neoepitopes when bound to phospholipids. 1,z Under certain in vitro conditions, the presence of phospholipid is not even required for APA binding to protein cofactors.[3]
Summary
Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are frequently detected in routine laboratory practice. Some other phospholipid-binding proteins like kininogens, protein C, protein S or annexin V could expose neoepitopes when bound to phospholipids. 1,z Under certain in vitro conditions, the presence of phospholipid is not even required for APA binding to protein cofactors.[3] In vivo, it is certainly conceivable that phospholipids are needed to present the proteins. APA probably result from the reactivity of the immune system to membrane components that are normally sequestered in the absence of cell stimulation and/ or to plasma proteins showing a certain affinity for such components when accessible.
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