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Abstract
Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) is a bleeding disorder in which autoantibodies
are directed against an individual's own platelets, leading to enhanced clearance
through Fc receptor (R)-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages residing in the reticuloendothelial
system, particularly in the spleen. Although the immunopathogenesis of the disease
is autoantibody-mediated, there is now substantial evidence that suggest that the
antiplatelet autoantibodies are under the control of T helper (Th) cells and the cytokines
that they produce. This review will summarize the recent literature regarding abnormal
Th cell reactivities and cytokine secretion in AITP. Reviews of the earlier literature
regarding cell mediated immunity in chronic AITP have been published [; ]. Understanding
the immune mechanisms controlling cell-mediated mechanisms is vital for developing
antigen specific immunotherapies to treat the disease.