Development and characterization of monoclonal antiplatelet autoantibodies from autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura-prone (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice

Male (NZW x BXSB)F1 (W/BF1) mice develop systemic autoimmunity involving autoantibodies, progressive thrombocytopenia, lupus nephritis, and degenerative coronary vascular disease with myocardial infarction. Platelet-associated 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 PAIgG have not been identifiable using serum from thrombocytopenic W/BF1 mice, we developed seven hybridomas secreting antiplatelet monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) using splenocytes of thrombocytopenic W/BF1 mice. Epitopes recognized by three MoAbs were similar to those recognized by PAIgG, because eluted IgG from platelets of thrombocytopenic W/BF1 mice inhibited platelet binding by MoAbs in competitive micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hybridoma cells or purified Ig from the ascites of two clones (2A12 and 6A6), when injected into nude mice produced acute thrombocytopenia, elevated the levels of PAIgG, purpura, and megakaryocytosis. MoAbs of two clones also reacted with single-stranded DNA or double-stranded DNA, and one of these clones (4–13) bound to cardiolipin (CL) but was nonpathogenic in nude mice, suggesting that anti-CL and antiplatelet autoantibodies can be distinct. On immunoblotting analysis, antiplatelet MoAbs frequently bound a 100-Kd platelet protein. These MoAbs contribute to an understanding of the etiopathogenesis of ATP and the several antigens and autoantibodies involved.