Immune response to H-2 class I antigens on platelets. I. Immunogenicity of platelet class I antigens

Purified allogeneic murine platelet suspensions were found unable to induce primary anti-H-2 class I antibody or T cell proliferative responses. In contrast, the same platelet suspensions could elicit secondary anti-class I responses. The secondary responses were not due to contaminating leucocytes. Possible explanations, the lack of acolyte determinants (class II or non- H-2) on platelets or inappropriate layout and/or structure of their class I antigens, are discussed. These findings emphasize the importance of sufficient leucocyte depletion before platelet transfusion in the human.