Monoclonal antibodies that mimic the action of anti-D in the amelioration of murine ITP act by a mechanism distinct from that of IVIg
http://www.100md.com
《血液学杂志》
the Transfusion Medicine Research, St Michael's Hospital
The Canadian Blood Services
The Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract
The mechanism of action of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and polyclonal anti-D–mediated reversal of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is still unclear. However, in a murine model of ITP, the therapeutic effect of IVIg appears to be wholly dependent upon the expression of the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcRIIB. We previously demonstrated that, similar to anti-D in humans, 2 erythrocyte-reactive monoclonal antibodies (TER119 and M1/69) ameliorated murine ITP and inhibited reticuloendothelial system (RES) function at doses that protected against thrombocytopenia. The current study evaluated the involvement of the inhibitory and activating Fc receptors, FcRIIB and FcRIIIA, respectively, in the TER119 and M1/69-mediated inhibition of thrombocytopenia. In contrast to IVIg, in FcRIIB-deficient mice, both monoclonal antibodies ameliorated ITP and both significantly down-regulated the level of expression of the activating FcRIIIA in splenic macrophages. These results indicate that anti-erythrocyte antibodies that ameliorate ITP act independently of FcRIIB expression but are dependent upon the activating FcRIIIA.
Introduction
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used widely in the treatment of various autoimmune conditions, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Many mechanisms have been suggested to explain the therapeutic effectiveness of IVIg in increasing platelet counts in ITP. The predominant hypotheses are Fc receptor (FcR) blockade, anti-idiotypic regulation, and immunomodulation.1-5 It also has been suggested that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I–like Fc receptor (FcRn) may play a role in the action of IVIg.6 Recently, the ratio of activating FcRIII and the inhibitory FcRIIB expression on splenic macrophages has been proposed to be a key to the therapeutic effectiveness of IVIg, as IVIg up-regulates FcRIIB expression in wild-type mice (FcRIIB+/+) and the absence of FcRIIB (FcRIIB–/–) completely abrogates the therapeutic efficacy of IVIg in thrombocytopenic mice.7
IVIg and anti-D may use different pathways to produce their therapeutic effects.7-15 We have previously demonstrated that 2 monoclonal anti-erythrocyte antibodies, TER119 and M1/69, mimic the effect of anti-D in reversing thrombocytopenia in a murine model of ITP; amelioration of thrombocytopenia correlated with an impaired ability to clear sensitized erythrocytes.16 The current study shows that, unlike IVIg, these therapeutic anti-erythrocyte monoclonal antibodies reverse thrombocytopenia in a FcRIIB-independent fashion, possibly by blocking or decreasing the level of functional FcRIIIA expression. This suggests that, in contrast to IVIg, anti-D–like monoclonal antibodies ameliorate ITP via inhibition of activating Fc receptors.
Study design
Mice
FcRIIB–/– mice (B6;129S4-Fcgr2btm1Rav/J) and C57BL/6 mice were purchased from The Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME) and housed at the St Michael's Hospital Research Vivarium.
Induction and reversal of ITP
Thrombocytopenia was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg rat anti–mouse integrin IIb antibody (PharMingen, Mississauga, ON, Canada) as previously described.16-18 On day 2, mice were injected intravenously with 50 μg monoclonal antibody TER119 or M1/69 (PharMingen) or intraperitoneally with 2 g/kg IVIg (Gamimune, 10%; Bayer, Elkhart, IN). Whole blood was collected daily via the saphenous vein into capillary tubes preloaded with 5 μL 1% EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); pH 7.2; 50 μL blood was diluted in 1200 μL 1% EDTA in PBS (1:25), and centrifuged at room temperature at 170g for 2 minutes to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Fifty microliters of PRP was diluted into 9.95-mL Isoton II diluent (Coulter Corporation, Miami, FL) and platelet count determined using a Beckman Z2 Coulter Counter (Coulter Corporation).
Induction and prevention of erythrocyte clearance
To block erythrocyte clearance, mice were injected intravenously with 50 μg 2.4G2 (an FcRIIB/FcRIIIA blocking antibody)19,20 or rat IgG as negative control, or intraperitoneally with 2 g/kg IVIg. After 2 hours, erythrocyte clearance was induced with the intravenous administration of 50 μg TER119. After a further 24 hours, the blood was collected and erythrocytes enumerated as previously reported.16
Preparation of splenocytes and flow cytometric analysis
Twenty-four hours after treatment with TER119, M1/69, or 30-F1 (PharMingen) or IVIg as indicated, the spleen was removed, mechanically disrupted in 5 mL PBS containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and filtered through 70-μm nylon mesh strainer.21 Erythrocytes were lysed using 0.15 M NH4Cl, 10 mM KHCO3, 0.1 mM Na2 EDTA (ACK) lysis buffer22 and washed in PBS/BSA. One million cells in 50 μL were incubated with a murine macrophage marker (PE-CY5–anti-F4/80; Cedarlane Laboratories, Hornby, ON, Canada) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–2.4G2 antibody (PharMingen) for 30 minutes at 4°C with constant shaking. The cells were washed and acquired on a FACScan flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, CA).
Results and discussion
Salama et al23 initially postulated that the success of IVIg in treating ITP was due to reduced macrophage binding of sensitized platelets by competitive blockade from immunoglobulin-coated erythrocytes. This was supported by observations that infusion of IVIg in patients with ITP prolonged the clearance of radiolabeled anti–Rh (D)–sensitized erythrocytes in vivo.1 Recently, a clear requirement for FcRIIB has been demonstrated7 and confirmed18 for the therapeutic effect of IVIg in murine ITP.
We have shown that the monoclonal erythrocyte-reactive antibodies TER119 and M1/69 successfully ameliorate murine ITP.16 In the current study we tested these antibodies, as well as IVIg, for efficacy in treating thrombocytopenic FcRIIB+/+ and FcRIIB–/– mice. In agreement with previous publications, 7,18 IVIg successfully reversed the disease in wild-type mice (Figure 1A, ) but not in FcRIIB–/– mice (Figure 1B, ). In contrast, TER119 and M1/69 demonstrated a successful therapeutic effect in both thrombocytopenic FcRIIB+/+ (Figure 1A, , ) and FcRIIB–/– mice (Figure 1B, , ), indicating that TER119 and M1/69 can function fully independent of FcRIIB expression. Since the antiplatelet antibody used in this study is completely dependent on FcRIIIA expression for its pathologic effect (A.R.C., unpublished observations, December 2003), we hypothesized that, since TER119 and M1/69 do not rely on FcRIIB expression, they might function by blocking or down-modulating FcRIIIA expression, leading to increased platelet survival.
FcR-bearing splenic macrophages are the main cells mediating platelet destruction in ITP.24 We have reported a positive correlation between the increase in platelet count and the clearance of erythrocytes by therapeutic anti-erythrocyte antibody in thrombocytopenic mice.16 Hence we presumed that, unlike IVIg, antierythrocyte antibodies may functionally block and/or down-regulate the expression of FcRIIIA, resulting in the decreased platelet phagocytosis. To define the possible modulating effect of these anti-erythrocyte antibodies on FcRIIIA expression, we analyzed the expression of FcRIIIA on splenic macrophages in FcRIIB–/– mice after injection of the ITP-ameliorating antibodies (TER119, M1/69), as well as after injection of an erythrocyte-reactive antibody (30-F1) that does not ameliorate ITP.16 The administration of TER119 and M1/69, but not IVIg or 30-F1, significantly decreased the level of expression of FcRIIIA (Figure 2A). Antibody 2.4G2 reacts specifically with a common nonpolymorphic epitope on the extracellular domains of the mouse FcRIII and FcRII19,25 and blocks binding of immune complexes to the FcRIII and FcRII.20 In contrast, the antibody-coated erythrocytes engage the FcRIIIA on macrophage through the Fc region of IgG. Thus, selective blockade of FcRIIIA, using 2.4G2 in FcRIIB–/– mice, would prevent the phagocytosis of antibody-coated erythrocytes by macrophages. As shown in Figure 2B, pretreatment of FcRIIB–/– mice with 2.4G2 significantly inhibited the erythrocyte destruction by subsequent administration of TER119; in contrast, control IgG had no effect on erythrocyte destruction induced by TER119. These data support the contention that anti-erythrocyte antibodies that ameliorate ITP may do so by engaging FcRIIIA and blocking and/or down-regulating the receptor. To establish a stronger link between the observed effects on erythrocyte destruction and the correction of platelet counts, we have investigated these phenomena in the same animals and observed the expected relationship (Figure S1, available on the Blood website; see the Supplemental Figures link at the top of the online article).
It should be noted that the model of ITP used here is a simple model of immune thrombocytopenia without all of the complex attributes of a full-blown autoimmune disease such as human ITP. Thus, while this model provides a selective and powerful approach to understanding specific pathophysiologic mechanisms of IVIg action in ITP, the model may also be limited by virtue of this simplicity.
In this report, we have used several monoclonal anti-erythrocyte–specific antibodies to mimic the therapeutic effects of anti-D in ITP. The TER119 antigen is a molecule associated with cell-surface glycophorin A, and the monoclonal antibody TER119 specifically recognizes murine erythrocytes.26 Our previous study has demonstrated that TER119 mimics the action of anti-D to effectively ameliorate murine thrombocytopenia.16 A small prospective study to test a single human monoclonal anti-D in 7 D-positive patients with chronic ITP was unsuccessful,27 and this is in general agreement with our previous work, which has demonstrated that not all monoclonal anti-erythrocyte antibodies can ameliorate murine ITP.16 The monoclonal antibodies that effectively ameliorated the thrombocytopenia did react with the murine red cells and bound more strongly than did IVIg (Figure S2). In contrast, the antibody less reactive (equivalent to the batch of IVIg (lot #26N1LL1) used throughout these experiments with murine red cells did not ameliorate ITP. Therefore, antibodies that bind poorly to red cells (eg, 30-F1 and IVIg) may, in contrast to those that bind strongly to red cells (eg, TER119 and M1/69), not mediate "anti-D–like" effects. However, the mechanisms of action of IVIg therapy may be more complex in humans than in mice, and it is difficult to rule out the possibility that IVIg does not have anti-D–like effects in humans.
In summary, the anti-D–like antibodies TER119 and M1/69 require activating FcRIIIA but not the inhibitory FcRIIB in suppressing murine ITP. Since there appears to be different mechanisms of action involved with IVIg and anti-erythrocyte antibodies in ITP, we speculate that patients who do not benefit from one treatment may benefit from the other, or there may be an additive effect, although this remains to be demonstrated.
Acknowledgements
We thank Ms Alison F. Starkey for assistance with the mouse work; Mr Hoang Le-Tien, Mr Davor Brinc, and Dr Zo Cohen for assistance and helpful discussion; Dr Paul Doherty for critical review of the manuscript; and the St Michael's Hospital Research Vivarium staff.
Footnotes
Prepublished online as Blood First Edition Paper, October 12, 2004; DOI 10.1182/blood-2004-05-1886.
Supported by an operating grant from the Canadian Blood Services—Canadian Institutes of Health Research Request for Proposal (RFP) program.
The online version of the article contains a data supplement.
The publication costs of this article were defrayed in part by page charge payment. Therefore, and solely to indicate this fact, this article is hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. section 1734.
References
Fehr J, Hofmann V, Kappeler U. Transient reversal of thrombocytopenia in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by high-dose intravenous gamma globulin. N Engl J Med. 1982;306: 1254-1258.
Crow AR, Lazarus AH. Role of Fcgamma receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2003;25(suppl 1): S14-S18.
Lazarus AH, Crow AR. Mechanism of action of IVIG and anti-D in ITP. Transfus Apheresis Sci. 2003;28: 249-255.
Rossi F, Kazatchkine MD. Antiidiotypes against autoantibodies in pooled normal human polyspecific Ig. J Immunol. 1989;143: 4104-4109.
Andersson JP, Andersson UG. Human intravenous immunoglobulin modulates monokine production in vitro. Immunology. 1990;71: 372-376.
Akilesh S, Petkova S, Sproule TJ, et al. The MHC class I–like Fc receptor promotes humorally mediated autoimmune disease. J Clin Invest. 2004; 113: 1328-1333.
Samuelsson A, Towers TL, Ravetch JV. Anti-inflammatory activity of IVIG mediated through the inhibitory Fc receptor. Science. 2001;291: 484-486.
Becker T, Kuenzlen E, Salama A, et al. Treatment of childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with Rhesus antibodies (anti-D). Eur J Pediatr. 1986;145: 166-169.
Blanchette V, Imbach P, Andrew M, et al. Randomised trial of intravenous immunoglobulin G, intravenous anti-D, and oral prednisone in childhood acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Lancet. 1994;344: 703-707.
Clarkson SB, Bussel JB, Kimberly RP, et al. Treatment of refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura with an anti-Fc gamma-receptor antibody. N Engl J Med. 1986;314: 1236-1239.
Cooper N, Heddle NM, Haas M, et al. Intravenous (IV) anti-D and IV immunoglobulin achieve acute platelet increases by different mechanisms: modulation of cytokine and platelet responses to IV anti-D by FcgammaRIIa and FcgammaRIIIa polymorphisms. Br J Haematol. 2004;124: 511-518.
Dolman C, Thorpe SJ, Thorpe R. Enhanced efficacy of anti-D immunoglobulin for treating ITP is not explained by higher immunoglobulin polymer content. Biologicals. 2001;29: 75-79.
Scaradavou A, Woo B, Woloski BM, et al. Intravenous anti-D treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura: experience in 272 patients. Blood. 1997;89: 2689-2700.
Teeling JL, Jansen-Hendriks T, Kuijpers TW, et al. Therapeutic efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin preparations depends on the immunoglobulin G dimers: studies in experimental immune thrombocytopenia. Blood. 2001;98: 1095-1099.
Coopamah MD, Freedman J, Semple JW. Anti-D initially stimulates an Fc-dependent leukocyte oxidative burst and subsequently suppresses erythrophagocytosis via interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Blood. 2003;102: 2862-2867.
Song S, Crow AR, Freedman J, Lazarus AH. Monoclonal IgG can ameliorate immune thrombocytopenia in a murine model of ITP: an alternative to IVIG. Blood. 2003;101: 3708-3713.
Crow AR, Song S, Semple JW, Freedman J, Lazarus AH. IVIg inhibits reticuloendothelial system function and ameliorates murine passive-immune thrombocytopenia independent of anti-idiotype reactivity. Br J Haematol. 2001;115: 679-686.
Crow AR, Song S, Freedman J, et al. IVIg-mediated amelioration of murine ITP via FcgammaRIIB is independent of SHIP1, SHP-1, and Btk activity. Blood. 2003;102: 558-560.
Unkeless JC. Characterization of a monoclonal antibody directed against mouse macrophage and lymphocyte Fc receptors. J Exp Med. 1979; 150: 580-596.
Kurlander RJ, Ellison DM, Hall J. The blockade of Fc receptor-mediated clearance of immune complexes in vivo by a monoclonal antibody (2.4G2) directed against Fc receptors on murine leukocytes. J Immunol. 1984;133: 855-862.
Ilan Y, Gotsman I, Pines M, et al. Induction of oral tolerance in splenocyte recipients toward pretransplant antigens ameliorates chronic graft versus host disease in a murine model. Blood. 2000; 95: 3613-3619.
Serody JS, Burkett SE, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A, et al. T-lymphocyte production of macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha is critical to the recruitment of CD8(+) T cells to the liver, lung, and spleen during graft-versus-host disease. Blood. 2000;96: 2973-2980.
Salama A, Mueller-Eckhardt C, Kiefel V. Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin in immune thrombocytopenia. Lancet. 1983;2: 193-195.
Frank MM, Fries LF. Complement. In: Fundamental Immunology. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Raven Press Ltd; 1989.
Ravetch JV, Luster AD, Weinshank R, et al. Structural heterogeneity and functional domains of murine immunoglobulin G Fc receptors. Science. 1986;234: 718-725.
Kina T, Ikuta K, Takayama E, et al. The monoclonal antibody TER-119 recognizes a molecule associated with glycophorin A and specifically marks the late stages of murine erythroid lineage. Br J Haematol. 2000;109: 280-287.
Godeau B, Oksenhendler E, Brossard Y, et al. Treatment of chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura with monoclonal anti-D. Transfusion. 1996;36: 328-330.(Seng Song, Andrew R. Crow)
The Canadian Blood Services
The Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract
The mechanism of action of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and polyclonal anti-D–mediated reversal of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is still unclear. However, in a murine model of ITP, the therapeutic effect of IVIg appears to be wholly dependent upon the expression of the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcRIIB. We previously demonstrated that, similar to anti-D in humans, 2 erythrocyte-reactive monoclonal antibodies (TER119 and M1/69) ameliorated murine ITP and inhibited reticuloendothelial system (RES) function at doses that protected against thrombocytopenia. The current study evaluated the involvement of the inhibitory and activating Fc receptors, FcRIIB and FcRIIIA, respectively, in the TER119 and M1/69-mediated inhibition of thrombocytopenia. In contrast to IVIg, in FcRIIB-deficient mice, both monoclonal antibodies ameliorated ITP and both significantly down-regulated the level of expression of the activating FcRIIIA in splenic macrophages. These results indicate that anti-erythrocyte antibodies that ameliorate ITP act independently of FcRIIB expression but are dependent upon the activating FcRIIIA.
Introduction
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used widely in the treatment of various autoimmune conditions, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Many mechanisms have been suggested to explain the therapeutic effectiveness of IVIg in increasing platelet counts in ITP. The predominant hypotheses are Fc receptor (FcR) blockade, anti-idiotypic regulation, and immunomodulation.1-5 It also has been suggested that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I–like Fc receptor (FcRn) may play a role in the action of IVIg.6 Recently, the ratio of activating FcRIII and the inhibitory FcRIIB expression on splenic macrophages has been proposed to be a key to the therapeutic effectiveness of IVIg, as IVIg up-regulates FcRIIB expression in wild-type mice (FcRIIB+/+) and the absence of FcRIIB (FcRIIB–/–) completely abrogates the therapeutic efficacy of IVIg in thrombocytopenic mice.7
IVIg and anti-D may use different pathways to produce their therapeutic effects.7-15 We have previously demonstrated that 2 monoclonal anti-erythrocyte antibodies, TER119 and M1/69, mimic the effect of anti-D in reversing thrombocytopenia in a murine model of ITP; amelioration of thrombocytopenia correlated with an impaired ability to clear sensitized erythrocytes.16 The current study shows that, unlike IVIg, these therapeutic anti-erythrocyte monoclonal antibodies reverse thrombocytopenia in a FcRIIB-independent fashion, possibly by blocking or decreasing the level of functional FcRIIIA expression. This suggests that, in contrast to IVIg, anti-D–like monoclonal antibodies ameliorate ITP via inhibition of activating Fc receptors.
Study design
Mice
FcRIIB–/– mice (B6;129S4-Fcgr2btm1Rav/J) and C57BL/6 mice were purchased from The Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME) and housed at the St Michael's Hospital Research Vivarium.
Induction and reversal of ITP
Thrombocytopenia was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg rat anti–mouse integrin IIb antibody (PharMingen, Mississauga, ON, Canada) as previously described.16-18 On day 2, mice were injected intravenously with 50 μg monoclonal antibody TER119 or M1/69 (PharMingen) or intraperitoneally with 2 g/kg IVIg (Gamimune, 10%; Bayer, Elkhart, IN). Whole blood was collected daily via the saphenous vein into capillary tubes preloaded with 5 μL 1% EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); pH 7.2; 50 μL blood was diluted in 1200 μL 1% EDTA in PBS (1:25), and centrifuged at room temperature at 170g for 2 minutes to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Fifty microliters of PRP was diluted into 9.95-mL Isoton II diluent (Coulter Corporation, Miami, FL) and platelet count determined using a Beckman Z2 Coulter Counter (Coulter Corporation).
Induction and prevention of erythrocyte clearance
To block erythrocyte clearance, mice were injected intravenously with 50 μg 2.4G2 (an FcRIIB/FcRIIIA blocking antibody)19,20 or rat IgG as negative control, or intraperitoneally with 2 g/kg IVIg. After 2 hours, erythrocyte clearance was induced with the intravenous administration of 50 μg TER119. After a further 24 hours, the blood was collected and erythrocytes enumerated as previously reported.16
Preparation of splenocytes and flow cytometric analysis
Twenty-four hours after treatment with TER119, M1/69, or 30-F1 (PharMingen) or IVIg as indicated, the spleen was removed, mechanically disrupted in 5 mL PBS containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and filtered through 70-μm nylon mesh strainer.21 Erythrocytes were lysed using 0.15 M NH4Cl, 10 mM KHCO3, 0.1 mM Na2 EDTA (ACK) lysis buffer22 and washed in PBS/BSA. One million cells in 50 μL were incubated with a murine macrophage marker (PE-CY5–anti-F4/80; Cedarlane Laboratories, Hornby, ON, Canada) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–2.4G2 antibody (PharMingen) for 30 minutes at 4°C with constant shaking. The cells were washed and acquired on a FACScan flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, CA).
Results and discussion
Salama et al23 initially postulated that the success of IVIg in treating ITP was due to reduced macrophage binding of sensitized platelets by competitive blockade from immunoglobulin-coated erythrocytes. This was supported by observations that infusion of IVIg in patients with ITP prolonged the clearance of radiolabeled anti–Rh (D)–sensitized erythrocytes in vivo.1 Recently, a clear requirement for FcRIIB has been demonstrated7 and confirmed18 for the therapeutic effect of IVIg in murine ITP.
We have shown that the monoclonal erythrocyte-reactive antibodies TER119 and M1/69 successfully ameliorate murine ITP.16 In the current study we tested these antibodies, as well as IVIg, for efficacy in treating thrombocytopenic FcRIIB+/+ and FcRIIB–/– mice. In agreement with previous publications, 7,18 IVIg successfully reversed the disease in wild-type mice (Figure 1A, ) but not in FcRIIB–/– mice (Figure 1B, ). In contrast, TER119 and M1/69 demonstrated a successful therapeutic effect in both thrombocytopenic FcRIIB+/+ (Figure 1A, , ) and FcRIIB–/– mice (Figure 1B, , ), indicating that TER119 and M1/69 can function fully independent of FcRIIB expression. Since the antiplatelet antibody used in this study is completely dependent on FcRIIIA expression for its pathologic effect (A.R.C., unpublished observations, December 2003), we hypothesized that, since TER119 and M1/69 do not rely on FcRIIB expression, they might function by blocking or down-modulating FcRIIIA expression, leading to increased platelet survival.
FcR-bearing splenic macrophages are the main cells mediating platelet destruction in ITP.24 We have reported a positive correlation between the increase in platelet count and the clearance of erythrocytes by therapeutic anti-erythrocyte antibody in thrombocytopenic mice.16 Hence we presumed that, unlike IVIg, antierythrocyte antibodies may functionally block and/or down-regulate the expression of FcRIIIA, resulting in the decreased platelet phagocytosis. To define the possible modulating effect of these anti-erythrocyte antibodies on FcRIIIA expression, we analyzed the expression of FcRIIIA on splenic macrophages in FcRIIB–/– mice after injection of the ITP-ameliorating antibodies (TER119, M1/69), as well as after injection of an erythrocyte-reactive antibody (30-F1) that does not ameliorate ITP.16 The administration of TER119 and M1/69, but not IVIg or 30-F1, significantly decreased the level of expression of FcRIIIA (Figure 2A). Antibody 2.4G2 reacts specifically with a common nonpolymorphic epitope on the extracellular domains of the mouse FcRIII and FcRII19,25 and blocks binding of immune complexes to the FcRIII and FcRII.20 In contrast, the antibody-coated erythrocytes engage the FcRIIIA on macrophage through the Fc region of IgG. Thus, selective blockade of FcRIIIA, using 2.4G2 in FcRIIB–/– mice, would prevent the phagocytosis of antibody-coated erythrocytes by macrophages. As shown in Figure 2B, pretreatment of FcRIIB–/– mice with 2.4G2 significantly inhibited the erythrocyte destruction by subsequent administration of TER119; in contrast, control IgG had no effect on erythrocyte destruction induced by TER119. These data support the contention that anti-erythrocyte antibodies that ameliorate ITP may do so by engaging FcRIIIA and blocking and/or down-regulating the receptor. To establish a stronger link between the observed effects on erythrocyte destruction and the correction of platelet counts, we have investigated these phenomena in the same animals and observed the expected relationship (Figure S1, available on the Blood website; see the Supplemental Figures link at the top of the online article).
It should be noted that the model of ITP used here is a simple model of immune thrombocytopenia without all of the complex attributes of a full-blown autoimmune disease such as human ITP. Thus, while this model provides a selective and powerful approach to understanding specific pathophysiologic mechanisms of IVIg action in ITP, the model may also be limited by virtue of this simplicity.
In this report, we have used several monoclonal anti-erythrocyte–specific antibodies to mimic the therapeutic effects of anti-D in ITP. The TER119 antigen is a molecule associated with cell-surface glycophorin A, and the monoclonal antibody TER119 specifically recognizes murine erythrocytes.26 Our previous study has demonstrated that TER119 mimics the action of anti-D to effectively ameliorate murine thrombocytopenia.16 A small prospective study to test a single human monoclonal anti-D in 7 D-positive patients with chronic ITP was unsuccessful,27 and this is in general agreement with our previous work, which has demonstrated that not all monoclonal anti-erythrocyte antibodies can ameliorate murine ITP.16 The monoclonal antibodies that effectively ameliorated the thrombocytopenia did react with the murine red cells and bound more strongly than did IVIg (Figure S2). In contrast, the antibody less reactive (equivalent to the batch of IVIg (lot #26N1LL1) used throughout these experiments with murine red cells did not ameliorate ITP. Therefore, antibodies that bind poorly to red cells (eg, 30-F1 and IVIg) may, in contrast to those that bind strongly to red cells (eg, TER119 and M1/69), not mediate "anti-D–like" effects. However, the mechanisms of action of IVIg therapy may be more complex in humans than in mice, and it is difficult to rule out the possibility that IVIg does not have anti-D–like effects in humans.
In summary, the anti-D–like antibodies TER119 and M1/69 require activating FcRIIIA but not the inhibitory FcRIIB in suppressing murine ITP. Since there appears to be different mechanisms of action involved with IVIg and anti-erythrocyte antibodies in ITP, we speculate that patients who do not benefit from one treatment may benefit from the other, or there may be an additive effect, although this remains to be demonstrated.
Acknowledgements
We thank Ms Alison F. Starkey for assistance with the mouse work; Mr Hoang Le-Tien, Mr Davor Brinc, and Dr Zo Cohen for assistance and helpful discussion; Dr Paul Doherty for critical review of the manuscript; and the St Michael's Hospital Research Vivarium staff.
Footnotes
Prepublished online as Blood First Edition Paper, October 12, 2004; DOI 10.1182/blood-2004-05-1886.
Supported by an operating grant from the Canadian Blood Services—Canadian Institutes of Health Research Request for Proposal (RFP) program.
The online version of the article contains a data supplement.
The publication costs of this article were defrayed in part by page charge payment. Therefore, and solely to indicate this fact, this article is hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. section 1734.
References
Fehr J, Hofmann V, Kappeler U. Transient reversal of thrombocytopenia in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by high-dose intravenous gamma globulin. N Engl J Med. 1982;306: 1254-1258.
Crow AR, Lazarus AH. Role of Fcgamma receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2003;25(suppl 1): S14-S18.
Lazarus AH, Crow AR. Mechanism of action of IVIG and anti-D in ITP. Transfus Apheresis Sci. 2003;28: 249-255.
Rossi F, Kazatchkine MD. Antiidiotypes against autoantibodies in pooled normal human polyspecific Ig. J Immunol. 1989;143: 4104-4109.
Andersson JP, Andersson UG. Human intravenous immunoglobulin modulates monokine production in vitro. Immunology. 1990;71: 372-376.
Akilesh S, Petkova S, Sproule TJ, et al. The MHC class I–like Fc receptor promotes humorally mediated autoimmune disease. J Clin Invest. 2004; 113: 1328-1333.
Samuelsson A, Towers TL, Ravetch JV. Anti-inflammatory activity of IVIG mediated through the inhibitory Fc receptor. Science. 2001;291: 484-486.
Becker T, Kuenzlen E, Salama A, et al. Treatment of childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with Rhesus antibodies (anti-D). Eur J Pediatr. 1986;145: 166-169.
Blanchette V, Imbach P, Andrew M, et al. Randomised trial of intravenous immunoglobulin G, intravenous anti-D, and oral prednisone in childhood acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Lancet. 1994;344: 703-707.
Clarkson SB, Bussel JB, Kimberly RP, et al. Treatment of refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura with an anti-Fc gamma-receptor antibody. N Engl J Med. 1986;314: 1236-1239.
Cooper N, Heddle NM, Haas M, et al. Intravenous (IV) anti-D and IV immunoglobulin achieve acute platelet increases by different mechanisms: modulation of cytokine and platelet responses to IV anti-D by FcgammaRIIa and FcgammaRIIIa polymorphisms. Br J Haematol. 2004;124: 511-518.
Dolman C, Thorpe SJ, Thorpe R. Enhanced efficacy of anti-D immunoglobulin for treating ITP is not explained by higher immunoglobulin polymer content. Biologicals. 2001;29: 75-79.
Scaradavou A, Woo B, Woloski BM, et al. Intravenous anti-D treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura: experience in 272 patients. Blood. 1997;89: 2689-2700.
Teeling JL, Jansen-Hendriks T, Kuijpers TW, et al. Therapeutic efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin preparations depends on the immunoglobulin G dimers: studies in experimental immune thrombocytopenia. Blood. 2001;98: 1095-1099.
Coopamah MD, Freedman J, Semple JW. Anti-D initially stimulates an Fc-dependent leukocyte oxidative burst and subsequently suppresses erythrophagocytosis via interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Blood. 2003;102: 2862-2867.
Song S, Crow AR, Freedman J, Lazarus AH. Monoclonal IgG can ameliorate immune thrombocytopenia in a murine model of ITP: an alternative to IVIG. Blood. 2003;101: 3708-3713.
Crow AR, Song S, Semple JW, Freedman J, Lazarus AH. IVIg inhibits reticuloendothelial system function and ameliorates murine passive-immune thrombocytopenia independent of anti-idiotype reactivity. Br J Haematol. 2001;115: 679-686.
Crow AR, Song S, Freedman J, et al. IVIg-mediated amelioration of murine ITP via FcgammaRIIB is independent of SHIP1, SHP-1, and Btk activity. Blood. 2003;102: 558-560.
Unkeless JC. Characterization of a monoclonal antibody directed against mouse macrophage and lymphocyte Fc receptors. J Exp Med. 1979; 150: 580-596.
Kurlander RJ, Ellison DM, Hall J. The blockade of Fc receptor-mediated clearance of immune complexes in vivo by a monoclonal antibody (2.4G2) directed against Fc receptors on murine leukocytes. J Immunol. 1984;133: 855-862.
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