[Antiplatelet glycoprotein monoclonal antibodies: properties and practical value]

The aim of this review is (i) to classify the different monoclonal antibodies against platelet glycoproteins according to their properties and (ii) to take stock of their many diagnostic and therapeutic uses. Most of these antibodies recognize antigens on resting platelets without inducing activation, sometimes however they inhibit platelet function. Some of these antibodies, especially those against specific antigens (GPIIb/IIIa, CD9, CD36), have the capacity to activate platelets in vitro, either by direct binding of antibodies on the antigen or through the Fc domain binding to its platelet receptor Fc gamma RII. Other antibodies are directed against activation-dependent antigens that are expressed as a result of (i) a modification of a glycoprotein structure during platelet activation (as for GPIIb/IIIa), (ii) platelet release of granular antigens (GMP140, CD63, granulophysin...) or (iii) binding of soluble antigens on the activated platelet surface. Monoclonal antibodies find practical applications for both in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of bleeding or thrombotic pathology with some of them, notably anti-GPIIb/IIIa, having a promising future for antithrombotic therapy.