Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies to which cells?

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies to which cells?

• A. Platelets
• B. Megakaryocytes
• C. Both platelets and megakaryocytes
• D. Fibrinogen

Answer: (C)

Autoimmune destruction in ITP is driven by antibodies that recognize platelet surface glycoproteins, tagging circulating platelets for clearance by splenic macrophages and causing thrombocytopenia with purpura. In addition, some of these autoantibodies can also bind to megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, impairing their maturation and platelet production. This combination means the condition can involve both destruction of platelets and reduced platelet production, aligning with antibodies to both platelets and megakaryocytes. Fibrinogen is not a target in this process, so antibodies to fibrinogen do not explain ITP.

Autoimmune destruction in ITP is driven by antibodies that recognize platelet surface glycoproteins, tagging circulating platelets for clearance by splenic macrophages and causing thrombocytopenia with purpura. In addition, some of these autoantibodies can also bind to megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, impairing their maturation and platelet production. This combination means the condition can involve both destruction of platelets and reduced platelet production, aligning with antibodies to both platelets and megakaryocytes. Fibrinogen is not a target in this process, so antibodies to fibrinogen do not explain ITP.