CalDAG-GEFI deficiency protects mice in a novel model of Fcγ RIIA-mediated thrombosis and thrombocytopenia

Blood. 2011 Jul 28;118(4):1113-20. doi: 10.1182/blood-2011-03-342352. Epub 2011 Jun 7.

Abstract

Platelet activation via Fcγ receptor IIA (FcγRIIA) is a critical event in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndromes (ITT). We recently identified signaling by the guanine nucleotide exchange factor CalDAG-GEFI and the adenosine diphosphate receptor P2Y12 as independent pathways leading to Rap1 small GTPase activation and platelet aggregation. Here, we evaluated the contribution of CalDAG-GEFI and P2Y12 signaling to platelet activation in ITT. Mice transgenic for the human FcγRIIA (hFcR) and deficient in CalDAG-GEFI(-/-) (hFcR/CDGI(-/-)) were generated. Compared with controls, aggregation of hFcR/CDGI(-/-) platelets or P2Y12 inhibitor-treated hFcR platelets required more than 5-fold and approximately 2-fold higher concentrations of a FcγRIIA stimulating antibody against CD9, respectively. Aggregation and Rap1 activation were abolished in P2Y12 inhibitor-treated hFcR/CDGI(-/-) platelets. For in vivo studies, a novel model for antibody-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis was established. FcγRIIA-dependent platelet thrombosis was induced by infusion of Alexa750-labeled antibodies to glycoprotein IX (CD42a), and pulmonary thrombi were detected by near-infrared imaging technology. Anti-GPIX antibodies dose-dependently caused thrombocytopenia and pulmonary thrombosis in hFcR-transgenic but not wild-type mice. CalDAG-GEFI-deficient but not clopidogrel-treated hFcR-transgenic mice were completely protected from ITT. In summary, we established a novel mouse model for ITT, which was used to identify CalDAG-GEFI as a potential new target in the treatment of ITT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Separation
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / deficiency*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Platelet Activation / physiology*
  • Platelet Aggregation / physiology
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / genetics
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / immunology
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / metabolism*
  • Receptors, IgG / genetics
  • Receptors, IgG / immunology
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2Y12 / genetics
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2Y12 / immunology
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2Y12 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Thrombosis / genetics
  • Thrombosis / immunology
  • Thrombosis / metabolism*

Substances

  • Fc gamma receptor IIA
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • P2ry12 protein, mouse
  • Rasgrp2 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2Y12