ABSTRACT
The well-characterized platelet antigens include those shared with other cells and those restricted to platelets (the human platelet antigens or the platelet-specific antigens). The
328 Kickier
ABH antigens are found on platelets but appear largely to be passively absorbed from plasma. Antibodies to ABH antigens are not important causes of platelet destruction. The class I HLA-A and HLA-B antigens are found on platelets. Antibodies to these antigens account for the major cause of alloimmune-mediated platelet transfusion refractoriness in thrombocytopenic patients receiving platelet transfusion. Approximately 20% of leukemic patients who receive platelet transfusions during induction chemotherapy become alloimmunized to class I HLA antigens (4,5).
