Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
New insights and therapeutics for immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
Ara Metjian1, Charles S Abrams
1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 421 Curie Blvd, Biomedical Research Building II/III, #912, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Abstract:
In recent years, great advances have been made in elucidating the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia and the mechanisms of thrombopoiesis. Drawing upon decades of basic science and clinical research, the pathways behind the immune-mediated destruction of platelets have opened new avenues. This has led to the application of safer and more efficacious immunosuppressive agents, such as the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, or potentially altering the co-stimulatory pathways of the immune system with an anti-CD40L (CD154) monoclonal antibody. This has been coupled with the discoveries of the genetic and molecular pathways in thrombopoiesis, including the identification and cloning of thrombopoietin (TPO) and its receptor. The use of recombinant TPO, such as PEG-rHuMGDF and rhTPO, to treat thrombocytopenia have paved the way for alternative peptidyl and nonpeptidyl thrombopoietic agents that are considered to be nonimmunogenic. Those that have undergone evaluation in humans include the Amgen megakaryopoiesis protein (AMG) 531 compound, eltrombopag, and AKR-501. Additional TPO mimetics show promise in vitro and await future development.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...

