Autoimmune Cytopenias

In this review, researchers from Fujian Medical University Hospital in Fujian, China, discuss platelet clearance (autoantibodies, T cells, and apoptotic factors) and production. They review first- and second-line therapy and highlight the roles of the anti-glycoprotein Ibα antibody and desialylation in ITP pathophysiology and treatment. In discussing research trends and new directions for therapy, they comment that “recent studies have identified platelet desialylation as an essential part of the pathology of this disease” and suggest in their concluding statements that “[d]esialylation may be a critical factor in refractory ITP, and sialylation inhibitors may be a potential treatment.”