Prophylactic treatment to prevent immunisation against human platelet antigen (HPA) 1a – a new approach for prevention of foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

Aim: The aim of this project is to examine if hyperimmune anti-HPA-1a IgG can prevent post delivery immunisation against the HPA-1a epitope. Our prophylactic treatment will prevent foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in the foetus/newborn in subsequent pregnancies in the same way as the hyperimmune anti-D IgG prevents haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN). Methodology: The theory behind this prophylactic treatment is based on research that shows a closer similarity between FNAIT and HDFN than previously believed. A preclinical proof-of-concept study in mice has shown that admini…