Study of T Cells and Natural Killer Cells Expression in Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by bleeding due to isolated thrombocytopenia with platelet count less than 100 × 109/L. ITP is classified based on course of disease into acute (3- \<12 months), and chronic (≥12 months). ITP usually has a chronic course in adults whereas approximately 80-90% of children undergo spontaneous remission within weeks to months of disease onset. The main pathogenesis of ITP is the loss of immune tolerance to platelet auto-antigens, which results in increased platelet destruction and impaired thrombopoiesis by autoantibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Platelet autoantibodies, particularly antiglycoprotein (GP) GPIIbIIIa and anti-GPIbIX, are known to cause thrombocytopenia in patients with ITP. As a main component of cellular immunity, T cells play an important role in body defense and peripheral tolerance. Changing number and function of these cells is closely associated with various diseases, including ITP.NK cells can also modulate cellular immunity in ITP patients.