Fc receptor blockade related to fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a human-derived plasma product. IVIg presents an effective immunomodulatory response, which has led to its widely expanded use in immune disorders. Canada remains unable to sufficiently manufacture IVIg, only meeting 18% of the demand. Therefore, identifying novel therapeutics that can replace the use of IVIg is critical. IVIg is frequently used as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic in antibody-mediated conditions dependent on Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Directly blocking FcγRs has been observed to emulate the effects of IVIg and has opened the possibility of creating more targeted therapeutics. IVIg is a first-line treatment in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), a potentially fatal pregnancy complication that occurs when the mother’s immune system attacks her fetus’ platelets. In FNAIT, FcγRs have been hypothesized to accelerate the clearance of fetal platelets once maternal anti-platelet antibodies cross the placenta. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the involvement of FcγRs in FNAIT and explore the therapeutic potential of blocking FcγRs in this condition. Our studies will not only further our understanding of the pathophysiology of FNAIT but may also provide insight into the development of new pharmacological strategies that will slowly help shift away from Canada’s reliance on IVIg.

LAZARUS, Alan

Unity Health Toronto

Graduate Fellowship Program

Ontario

$70,000