Platelets in ITP : Victims in charge of their own fate?
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to low platelet levels in ITP have not been resolved, but at least involve autoantibody-dependent and/or cytotoxic T cell mediated platelet clearance and impaired megakary-opoiesis. In addition, T cell imbalances involving T regulatory cells (Tregs) also appear to play an important role. Int