Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by
thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. The mechanisms leading to platelet destruction are
complex and the thrombotic complications of HIT appear to be due to multiple different
intravascular targets. The dual binding of HIT antibodies to platelet surface PF4/GAG
complexes and to FcγRIIA likely leads to both platelet clearance and to their direct
activation. Monocytes and endothelial cells bind PF4 with higher avidity than platelets
and are more resistant to competitive removal of surface-bound PF4 in the presence
of heparin. Binding of HIT antibodies to PF4/glycosaminoglycan complexes on the surface
on these cells leads to their activation and increased procoagulant activity. Binding
of higher levels of PF4 released from activated platelets to the endothelium may lead
to changes of the anticoagulant properties of the glycocalyx and target the endothelial
cells for HIT antibodies. Pathogenic antibodies bound to endothelial cells further
promote prothrombotic conditions by a mechanism that is independent of FcγR activation,
yet not completely understood. A more detailed understanding of the role of monocytes
and endothelium may identify new targets for intervention to mitigate the risk of
thrombosis with less impact on systemic haemostasis than current approaches to treatment
for this serious disorder.
Keywords
Thrombosis - coated platelets - FcγRIIA - glycosaminoglycans - PF4