Humoral immune response to ADAMTS13 in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Summary. The apparently spontaneous development of autoantibodies to ADAMTS13 in previously healthy individuals is a major cause of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Epitope mapping studies have shown that in most patients antibodies directed towards the spacer domain of ADAMTS13 are present. A single antigenic surface comprising Arg⁶⁶⁰, Tyr⁶⁶¹ and Tyr⁶⁶⁵ that contributes to the productive binding of ADAMTS13 to unfolded von Willebrand factor is targeted by anti‐spacer domain antibodies. Antibodies directed to the carboxyl‐terminal CUB1–2 and TSP2–8 domains have also been observed in the plasma of patients with acquired TTP. As yet it has not been established whether this class of antibodies modulates ADAMTS13 activity. Inspection of the primary sequence of human monoclonal anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies suggests that the variable heavy chain germline gene segment VH1–69 is frequently incorporated. We suggest a model in which ‘shape complementarity’ between the spacer domain and residues encoded by the VH1–69 gene segment explain the preferential use of this variable heavy chain gene segment. Finally, a model is presented for the development of anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies in previously healthy individuals that incorporates the recent identification of HLA DRB1*11 as a risk factor for acquired TTP.     

VH1-69 germline encoded antibodies directed towards ADAMTS13 in patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Summary.  Background: Autoantibodies directed towards ADAMTS13 are present in the majority of patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Analysis of a set of antibodies derived from two patients with acquired TTP revealed frequent use of the VH1-69 heavy chain gene segment for the assembly of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies. Objective: We explored the ability of two VH1-69 germline gene-encoded antibodies to inhibit the von Willebrand factor (VWF)-processing activity of ADAMTS13 under different experimental conditions. Furthermore, the presence of VH1-69 encoded anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in 40 patients with acquired TTP was monitored using monoclonal antibody G8, which specifically reacts with an idiotype expressed on VH1-69 encoded antibodies. Methods and Results: Binding of the two VH1-69 encoded monoclonal antibodies was dependent on the presence of the spacer domain. Both antibodies inhibited ADAMTS13 activity under static conditions, as measured by cleavage of FRETS-VWF73 substrate and cleavage of VWF multimers. The recombinant antibodies were also capable of inhibiting the processing of UL-VWF strings on the surface of endothelial cells. G8-reactive antibodies directed towards ADAMTS13 were present in plasma of all patients containing anti ADAMTS13 antibodies. Conclusions: These results suggest that VH1-69 derived antibodies directed towards ADAMTS13 develop in the majority of patients with acquired TTP.     

Ten candidate ADAMTS13 mutations in six French families with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (Upshaw–Schulman syndrome)

Summary.  ADAMTS13, the specific von Willebrand factor (VWF)-cleaving metalloprotease, prevents the spontaneous formation of platelet thrombi in the microcirculation by degrading the highly adhesive ultralarge VWF multimers into smaller forms. ADAMTS13 severe enzymatic deficiency and mutations have been described in the congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP or Upshaw–Schulman syndrome), a rare and severe disease related to multivisceral microvascular thrombosis. We investigated six French families with congenital TTP for ADAMTS13 enzymatic activity and gene mutations. Six probands with congenital TTP and their family were tested for ADAMTS13 activity in plasma using a two-site immunoradiometric assay and for ADAMTS13 gene mutations using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. ADAMTS13 activity was severely deficient (< 5%) in the six probands and one mildly symptomatic sibling but normal (> 50%) in all the parents and the asymptomatic siblings. Ten novel candidate ADAMTS13 mutations were identified in all families, showing either a compound heterozygous or a homozygous status in all probands plus the previous sibling and a heterozygous status in the parents. The mutations were spread all over the gene, involving the metalloprotease domain (I79M, S203P, R268P), the disintegrin domain (29 bp deletion in intron/exon 8), the cystein-rich domain (acceptor splice exon 12, R507Q), the spacer domain (A596V), the 3rd TSP1 repeat (C758R), the 5th TSP1 repeat (C908S) and the 8th TSP1 repeat (R1096stop). This study emphasizes the role of ADAMTS13 mutations in the pathogenesis of congenital TTP and suggests that several structural domains of this metalloprotease are involved in both its biogenesis and its substrate recognition process.     

Von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 balancing primary haemostasis

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is an adhesive, multi-functional huge multimerized protein with multiple domains harboring binding sites for collagen, platelet glycoprotein receptors and coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). The functional domains enable VWF to bind to the injured vessel wall, to recruit platelets to the site of injury by adhesion and aggregation and to bind and protect FVIII, an important cofactor of the coagulation cascade. VWF function in primary haemostasis is located in particular in the arterial and micro-circulation. This environment is exposed to high shear forces with hydrodynamic shear rates ranging over several orders of magnitude from 10?1 to 10? s-1 and requires particular mechanisms to enable platelet adhesion and aggregation under these variable conditions. The respective VWF function is strictly correlating with its multimer size. Lack or reduction of large VWF multimers is seen in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 2A which correlates with reduction of both VWF:platelet GPIb-binding and VWF:collagen binding and a bleeding phenotype. To prevent unlimited platelet adhesion and aggregation which is the cause of the microangiopathic disorder thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), VWF function is regulated by its specific protease ADAMTS13. Whereas a particular susceptibility of VWF to ADAMTS13 proteolysis is the cause of a frequent VWD type 2A phenotype, lack or dysfunction of ADAMTS13, either acquired by ADAMTS13 antibodies or by inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency (Upshaw-Schulman Syndrome), causes TTP. Therefore VWD and TTP represent the opposite manifestations of VWF related disorders, tightly linked to each other.     

ADAMTS13蛋白C-末端结构调节其酶活性的研究

目的 初步研究并探讨ADAMTS13蛋白C-末端结构域变化在调节其酶活性方面的作用.方法 将人全长野生型及缺失C-末端TSP8和CUB结构域的截短型重组ADAMTS13基因转染Hela细胞并稳定表达.分别在静态尿素变性条件及蜗旋装置提供的高剪切力条件下观察这两种ADAMTS13蛋白酶切血管性血友病因子(vWF)的差异,同时利用Western blot技术及残余胶原结合实验对结果进行检测,另外利用ELISA法直接检测这两种ADAMTS13蛋白静态条件下结合vWF的能力.结果 在Hela细胞真核表达载体表达并纯化了全长野生型及缺失C-末端TSP8和CUB结构域的截短型ADAMTS13蛋白,分别利用鼠抗His-Tag单抗(抗载短型ADAMS113单)及兔抗人ADAMTS13多抗Western blot法鉴定了其特异性.静态尿素变性条件下,截短型ADAMTS13蛋白酶活性显著高于野生型,且静态条件下在结合vWF的能力方面,截短型也显著高于野生型;但在高剪切力作用下,只有全长野生型ADAMTS13可以对vWF进行剪切.结论 ADAMTS13蛋白C-末端TSP8和CUB结构域在不同条件下可以调节ADAMTS13蛋白结合vWF的能力,从而调节其酶活性的发挥,ADAMTS13蛋白C-末端在高剪切力作用条件下对ADAMTS13酶活性的发挥至关重要.     

The role of ADAMTS13 in the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome

The identification, characterization, and clinical observation of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin-1-like domains) have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). ADAMTS13 is a plasma enzyme essential for postsecretion proteolytic processing of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Absence of ADAMTS13 is associated with the occurrence of abnormally large multimers of VWF and is also associated with the occurrence of TTP. Initial assumptions that absent ADAMTS13 was itself the etiology of TTP have been tempered by subsequent observations that ADAMTS13 activity can be severely deficient without clinical abnormalities and that patients can have characteristic clinical features of TTP without severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. A current interpretation of these observations is that ADAMTS13 deficiency is a major risk factor for the development of TTP, but it is neither always necessary nor sufficient to cause TTP. This interpretation is consistent with other vascular and thrombotic disorders in which multiple risk factors and associated conditions contribute to the etiology of acute events.     

影响获得性血栓性血小板减少性紫癜首次缓解期内复发的相关指标研究

目的 探讨血管性血友病因子裂解蛋白酶(ADAMTS) 13活性和抗ADAMTS13抗体表达水平,与获得性血栓性血小板减少性紫癜(TTP)于首次缓解期内复发的关系.方法 选择2008年3月至2014年6月于陕西延安大学附属医院和陕西省渭南市富平县医院诊治的37例获得性TTP患者为研究对象,按照其在首次缓解随访期内是否复发,分为研究组(n=15)和对照组(n=22).分别采用残余胶原结合试验、ELISA、免疫印迹等方法,检测两组患者的ADAMTS13活性,ADAMTS13抗原水平,抗ADAMTS13抗体,ADAMTS13抑制物,血管性血友病因子(vWF)抗原和超大分子量vWF(ULVWF)多聚体等指标,并且进行统计学分析;采用多因素非条件logistic回归分析法,评估获得性TTP患者于首次缓解期内复发的独立影响因素.本研究遵循的程序符合病例收集医院人体试验委员会所制定的伦理学标准,得到该伦理会批准,分组征得受试对象本人的知情同意,并与之签订临床研究知情同意书.结果 ①研究组患者的中位ADAMTS13活性为11％(7％～124％),低于对照组的53％(7％～151％),差异有统计学意义(u=4.018,P＜0.05).研究组与对照组患者的ADAMTS13活性显著降低率分别为53.3％(8/15)和22.7％(5/22),二者比较,差异有统计学意义(P=0.049).②37例获得性TTP患者的血浆ADAMTS13活性和ADAMTS13抗原水平呈正相关关系(rs=0.810,P=0.001).研究组患者的中位ADAMTS13抗原水平为33％(3％～99％),低于对照组的59％(3％～128％),差异有统计学意义(u=4.121,P＜0.05).研究组与对照组ADAMTS13抗原水平显著降低率分别为13.3％(2/15)和9.1％(2/22),二者比较,差异有统计学意义(P=0.008).③研究组患者的抗ADAMTS13抗体检出率为66.7％(10/15),高于对照组的36.4％(8/22),差异有统计学意义(P=0.007).④研究组患者中抗ADAMTS13抑制物检出率为46.7％ (7/15),高于对照组患者的18.2％ (4/22),差异有统计学意义(P=0.011).⑤研究组与对照组患者ULVWF多聚体检出率分别为20.0％(3/15)和13.6％(3/22),二者比较,差异有统计学意义(P=0.042).⑥多因素非条件logistic回归分析结果显示,获得性TTP患者于首次缓解期内复发的独立危险因素包括ADAMTS13活性显著降低(OR=2.95,95％ CI:1.13～6.96,P＜0.05),检出抗ADAMTS13抗体(OR=3.31,95％CI:1.08～8.19,P＜0.05),检出抗ADAMTS13抑制物(OR=3.24,95 ％CI:1.24～9.03,P＜0.05).结论 获得性TTP患者在首次缓解期内,ADAMTS13活性水平显著降低,存在抗ADAMTS13抗体及抗ADAMTS13抑制物,会显著增加疾病复发风险,可以考虑将其作为预测获得性TTP患者于首次缓解期内复发的重要指标.     

A phenotype–genotype correlation of ADAMTS13 mutations in congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients treated in the United Kingdom

Summary. Background: ADAMTS13 mutations play a role in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) pathogenesis. Objectives: To establish a phenotype–genotype correlation in a cohort of congenital TTP patients. Patients/Methods: Clinical history and ADAMTS13 activity, antigen and anti‐ADAMTS13 antibody assays were used to diagnose congenital TTP, and DNA sequencing and in vitro expression were performed to identify the functional effects of the ADAMTS13 mutations responsible. Results: Seventeen (11 novel) ADAMTS13 mutations were identified in 17 congenital TTP patients. All had severely reduced ADAMTS13 activity and antigen levels at presentation. Six patients with pregnancy‐associated TTP and six patients with childhood TTP were homozygous or compound heterozygous for ADAMTS13 mutations located in the metalloprotease (MP), cysteine‐rich, spacer and/or distal thrombospondin type 1 domains. The adults had TTP precipitated by pregnancy, and had overall higher antigen levels (median, 30 ng mL^?1; range, < 10–57 ng mL^?1) than the children (median, 14 ng mL^?1; range, < 10–40 ng mL^?1). Presentation in the neonatal period was associated with more intensive treatment requirements. The two neonates with the most severe phenotype had mutations in the first thrombospondin type 1 motif of ADAMTS13 (p.R398C, p.R409W, and p.Q436H). Using transfected HEK293T cells, we have shown that p.R398C and p.R409W block ADAMTS13 secretion, whereas p.Q436H allows secretion at reduced levels. Conclusions: This study confirms the heterogeneity of ADAMTS13 defects and an association between ADAMTS13 genotypes and TTP phenotype.     

Novel ADAMTS-13 mutations in an adult with delayed onset thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is associated with congenital and acquired deficiency of ADAMTS-13, a metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF) and reduces its adhesive activity. Mutations throughout the ADAMTS13 gene have been identified in congenital TTP patients, most of whom have initial episodes during infancy or in early childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the case of an adult male who was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura at age 34, and with TTP 14 years later. The patient was compound heterozygous for an 18 bp in-frame deletion (C365del) in the disintegrin domain and a point mutation of R1060W in the seventh thrombospondin domain of the ADAMTS-13 gene. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro studies found that C365del and R1060W severely impair ADAMTS-13 synthesis in transfected Hela cells, whereas the deletion mutant also failed to cleave VWF under static and flow conditions.     

Novel monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay for determining plasma levels of ADAMTS13 activity

BACKGROUND: ADAMTS13 specifically cleaves unusually large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers, which induce platelet thrombi formation under high shear stress. ADAMTS13 activity is deficient in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The determination of plasma levels of ADAMTS13 activity is a prerequisite for a differential diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathies. Here, a unique and highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) of ADAMTS13 activity is described. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: ADAMTS13 hydrolyzes the peptide bond between Y1605 and M1606 of VWF. In this assay, a recombinant fusion protein (GST-VWF73-His) is used as a substrate. A panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that specifically recognizes Y1605, which is the C-terminal edge residue of the VWF-A2 domain and is generated by the enzymatic cleavage, has been produced. These antibodies were prepared with a synthetic decapeptide, termed N-10 (1596-DREQAPNLVY-1605), as the immunogen. Twenty-six clones specific to N10 were obtained, and one anti-N10 MoAb was used in this study. RESULTS: With horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-N10 MoAb, a standard enzyme assay was established. This assay was highly sensitive, and the detection limit was 0.5 percent of the normal. Further, an inhibitor of ADAMTS13 was measured to a level of 0.1 Bethesda units per mL. ADAMTS13 activity was measured in 20 patients with Upshaw-Schulman syndrome, a congenital TTP, and 61 acquired TTP patients. The activity measured by this assay and by the classic VWF multimer assay showed high correlation. CONCLUSION: A convenient and highly sensitive EIA for ADAMTS13 activity has been established. This assay can be introduced for routine laboratory work in transfusion medicine.     

Recombinant ADAMTS13 normalizes von Willebrand factor‐cleaving activity in plasma of acquired TTP patients by overriding inhibitory antibodies

Summary. Background: Severe deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF)‐cleaving protease ADAMTS13 as observed in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is caused by inhibitory and non‐inhibitory autoantibodies directed against the protease. Current treatment with plasma exchange is considered to remove circulating antibodies and to concurrently replenish the deficient enzyme. Objectives: To explore the use of recombinant ADAMTS13 (rADAMTS13) as a potential therapeutic agent in acquired TTP, we investigated its efficacy in normalizing VWF‐cleaving activity in the presence of ADAMTS13 inhibitors. Methods: Thirty‐six plasma samples from TTP patients were adjusted to predefined inhibitor titers, and recovery of ADAMTS13 activity was analyzed following supplementation with rADAMTS13. Results: We showed a linear relation between the inhibitor titer measured and effective rADAMTS13 concentration necessary for reconstitution of VWF‐cleaving activity in the presence of neutralizing autoantibodies. Conclusions: Our results support the further investigation of the potential therapeutic applicability of rADAMTS13 as an adjunctive therapy in acquired TTP.     

The active conformation of von Willebrand factor in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in remission

Summary.  Background:  Functional deficiency of ADAMTS13 in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients is associated with circulating ultralarge von Willebrand factor (VWF) molecules that display spontaneous platelet-binding capacities. Upon remission, however, ADAMTS13 activity does not always return to baseline. Objective:  To study ADAMTS13 and VWF-related features in TTP patients in remission. Methods:  ADAMTS13 activity, anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies, VWF antigen, ultralarge VWF and levels of VWF that circulate in a glycoprotein Ibα-binding conformation were determined in plasma samples of 22 acquired TTP patients in remission between 1 month and 6 years after achieving remission. The composition of active multimers was investigated with a novel immunoprecipitation assay based on monoclonal antibody AU/VWF-a12, which specifically recognizes the active conformation of VWF. Results:  ADAMTS13 activity was undetectable in 23% of the patients, even years after they had achieved remission, and lack of ADAMTS13 activity was associated with increased active VWF levels and the presence of ultralarge VWF multimers. Active VWF levels and ultralarge VWF were also associated with blood groups. Results from immunoprecipitation experiments revealed the full range of multimers to be present. Conclusion : ADAMTS13 deficiency and the concurrent presence of ultralarge VWF and increased active VWF levels can be detected in TTP patients for years after they have achieved remission. Immunoprecipitation results suggest that the active conformation of VWF may be present in the lower molecular weight multimers, but future studies are necessary to confirm our findings.     

血栓性血小板减少性紫癜患者vWF裂解蛋白酶抗原和活性的检测及意义

目的研究血管性血友病因子裂解蛋白酶(ADAMTS13)抗原含量和活性在血栓性血小板减少性紫癜(TTP)患者及遗传性 TTP 家族突变携带者中变化的情况。方法用残余胶原结合实验(RCBA)检测13例 TTP 患者共28份血浆标本[含血浆置换(PE)前后]及10例携带者的 ADAMTS13活性;用新近建立的三抗体夹心酶联免疫反应法检测标本的 ADAMTS13抗原含量。结果正常对照组 ADAMTS13含量为(600.93±145.36)mU/ml(设白种人混合血浆的 ADAMTS13抗原含量为1000mU/ml),活性为(74.79±11.81)%。遗传性 TTP 患者 ADAMTS13抗原含量和活性治疗前和发病间期均明显减低,PE 后恢复;其家族中携带者 ADAMTS13抗原含量为(331.40±109.85)mU/ml,活性为(66.79±12.82)%(与对照组比较,P 值分别<0.01和>0.05);原发性 TTP 患者 PE 前 ADAMTS13抗原含量为(98.7±82.08)mU/ml,活性为(22.23±19.07)%(与对照组比较,P 值均<0.01);PE 后ADAMTS13 抗原含量为(449.4±232.33)mU/ml,活性为(60.92±22.33)%(与对照组比较,P 值分别<0.01和>0.05);1例继发性 TTP 患者 PE 后 ADAMTS13抗原含量远高于正常,活性仅为6.00%结论治疗前的 TTP 患者 ADAMTS13抗原含量和活性均明显减低。大多数患者两指标变化趋势一致,也有个别患者两指标变化趋势相反,前者可能因为遗传因素或体内免疫系统的廓清作用,后者可能因为抗 ADAMTS13抗体仅抑制了 ADAMTS13的活性而未影响其抗原的含量或其他未知原因所致。     

IgG subclass distribution of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Summary.  Background : ADAMTS13-neutralizing IgG autoantibodies are the major cause of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Objective : To analyze the IgG subclass distribution of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies and a potential relationship between subclass distribution and disease prognosis. Methodology : An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based method was used to quantify the relative amounts of IgG subclasses of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in acquired TTP plasma. Results : IgG₄ (52/58, 90%) was the most prevalent IgG subclass in patients with acquired TTP, followed by IgG₁ (52%), IgG₂ (50%), and IgG₃ (33%). IgG₄ was found either alone (17/52) or with other IgG subclasses (35/52). IgG₄ was not detected in 10% of the patients. There was an inverse correlation between the frequency and abundance of IgG₄ and IgG₁ antibodies ( P  < 0.01). Patients with high IgG₄ levels and undetectable IgG₁ are more prone to relapse than patients with low IgG₄ levels and detectable IgG₁. Conclusions : All IgG subclasses of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies were detected in patients with acquired TTP, with IgG₄, followed by IgG₁, antibodies dominating the anti-ADAMTS13 immune response. Levels of IgG₄ could be useful for the identification of patients at risk of disease recurrence.     

TSP2-8和CUB1+2片段对血管性血友病因子裂解酶分泌方向的影响

本研究旨在探讨羧基端TSP2-8和CUB1+2片段是否决定血管性血友病因子裂解酶(ADAMTS13)合成后细胞内运输的方向,以了解金属蛋白酶ADAMTS13羧基端结构与功能的关系。利用脂质体转染技术将重组质粒pcDNA3.1-ADAMTS13及pcDNA3.1-delTSP2-8CUB1+2ADAMTS13分别转染犬肾上皮极性细胞MDCK,筛选出阳性细胞克隆后传代铺到中间有特殊分子筛膜的双池培养皿内培养,待细胞生长到无空隙后收集上、下池培养液;通过Western blot检测上、下池培养液中ADAMTS13蛋白表达水平,以对比分析ADAMTS13蛋白在极性细胞内的分泌方向。结果表明,稳定表达野生型ADAMTS13的MDCK细胞组,在分子筛膜的上池培养液中检测到ADAMTS13蛋白,而表达缺失TSP2-8CUB1+2区域ADAMTS13的细胞组,在分子膜的上、下池培养液中均检测到ADAMTS13重组蛋白。结论:金属蛋白酶ADAMTS13的分泌是有极性的,且羧基端TSP2-8和CUB1+2结构域与ADAMTS13合成后细胞内的运输方向密切相关。     

ADAMTS13 Deficiency and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a hematological disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Although the link between ADAMTS13 deficiency and idiopathic TTP has been well-established, the role of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in the pathogenesis of TTP is not yet well elucidated. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only two previous reports linking this medication with the development of TTP. We present the case of a healthy woman, age 26 years, who developed TTP during TMP-SMX therapy for urinary tract infection. She was found to have ADAMTS13 deficiency with anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies. Her condition responded to discontinuation of the TMP-SMX, plasmapheresis, and rituximab therapy. We speculate that the acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency might have been triggered by the TMP-SMX therapy.     

Multi‐step binding of ADAMTS‐13 to von Willebrand factor

Summary. Background: ADAMTS‐13 proteolytic activity is controlled by the conformation of its substrate, von Willebrand factor (VWF), and changes in the secondary structure of VWF are essential for efficient cleavage. Substrate recognition is mediated through several non‐catalytic domains in ADAMTS‐13 distant from the active site. Objectives: We hypothesized that not all binding sites for ADAMTS‐13 in VWF are cryptic and analyzed binding of native VWF to ADAMTS‐13. Methods: Immunoprecipiation of VWF–ADAMTS‐13 complexes using anti‐VWF antibodies and magnetic beads was used. Binding was assessed by Western blotting and immunosorbent assays. Results: Co‐immunoprecipitation demonstrated that ADAMTS‐13 binds to native multimeric VWF (K_d of 79 ± 11 nmol L^?1) with no measurable proteolysis. Upon shear‐induced unfolding of VWF, binding increased 3‐fold and VWF was cleaved. Binding to native VWF was saturable, time dependent, reversible and did not vary with ionic strength (I of 50–200). Moreover, results with ADAMTS‐13 deletion mutants indicated that binding to native VWF is mediated through domains distal to the ADAMTS‐13 spacer, probably thrombospondin‐1 repeats. Interestingly, this interaction occurs in normal human plasma with an ADAMTS‐13 to VWF stoichiometry of 0.0040 ± 0.0004 (mean ± SEM, n = 10). Conclusions: ADAMTS‐13 binds to circulating VWF and may therefore be incorporated into a platelet‐rich thrombus, where it can immediately cleave VWF that is unfolded by fluid shear stress.     

Complement activation in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Summary. Background: Ultra‐large von Willebrand factor and deficiency of its cleaving protease are important factors in the events leading to thrombotic microangiopathy; however, the mechanisms involved are only partly understood. Whereas pathological activation of the alternative complement pathway is linked to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, the role of complement activation in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether signs of complement activation are characteristic of TTP. Patients and methods: Twenty‐three patients with TTP (18 women, median age 38 years) and 17 healthy controls (13 women, median age 38 years) were included. Complement parameters (C3, Factors H, I, B and total alternative pathway activity) together with complement activation fragments (C3a) or complexes (C1rs‐INH, C3bBbP, sC5b9) were measured by ELISA or RID. ADAMTS13 activity and anti‐ADAMTS13 inhibitory antibodies were measured by the VWF‐FRET73 assay. Results: Increased levels of C3a, and SC5b9 were observed in TTP during acute episodes, as compared with healthy controls. Decreased complement C3 levels indicative of complement consumption occurred in 15% of acute TTP patients. Significant decrease of complement activation products C3a and SC5b9 was observed during plasma exchange (PEX). The sustained presence of anti‐ADAMTS13 inhibitory antibodies in complete remission was associated with increased complement activation. Conclusion: These data document in an observational study the presence of complement activation in TTP. Further investigation is needed to determine its potential pathogenetic significance.     

Inactivation of ADAMTS13 by plasmin as a potential cause of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Summary. Background: ADAMTS13 deficiency causes accumulation of unusually large von Willebrand factor molecules, which cross‐link platelets in the circulation or on the endothelial surface. This process of intravascular agglutination leads to the microangiopathy thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Most TTP patients have acquired anti‐ADAMTS13 autoantibodies that inhibit enzyme function and/or clear it from the circulation. However, the reason for ADAMTS13 deficiency is not always easily identified in a subset of patients. Objectives: To determine the origin of ADAMTS13 deficiency in a case of acquired TTP. Methods: Western blotting of ADAMTS13 in plasmas from acute and remission phases was used. Results: The ADAMTS13 deficiency was not caused by mutations or (detectable) autoantibodies; however, an abnormal ADAMTS13 truncated fragment (100 kDa) was found in acute‐phase but not remission‐phase plasma. This fragment resulted from enzymatic proteolysis, as recombinant ADAMTS13 was also cleaved when in the presence of acute‐phase but not remission‐phase plasma. Inhibitor screening showed that ADAMTS13 was cleaved by a serine protease that could be dose‐dependently inhibited by addition of exogenous α₂‐antiplasmin. Examination of the endogenous α₂‐antiplasmin antigen and activity confirmed deficiency of α₂‐antiplasmin function in acute‐phase but not remission‐phase plasma. To investigate the possibility of ADAMTS13 cleavage by plasmin in plasma, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator was added to an (unrelated) congenital α₂‐antiplasmin‐deficient plasma sample to activate plasminogen. This experiment confirmed cleavage of endogenous ADAMTS13 similar to that observed in our TTP patient. Conclusion: We report the first acquired TTP patient with cleaved ADAMTS13 and show that plasmin is involved.     

An open conformation of ADAMTS‐13 is a hallmark of acute acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Essentials

• Conformational changes in ADAMTS‐13 are part of its mode‐of‐action.
• The murine anti‐ADAMTS‐13 antibody 1C4 discriminates between folded and open ADAMTS‐13.
• ADAMTS‐13 conformation is open in acute acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
• Our study forms an important basis to fully elucidate the pathophysiology of TTP.

Summary

Background

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by absent ADAMTS‐13 activity and the presence of anti‐ADAMTS‐13 autoantibodies. Recently, it was shown that ADAMTS‐13 adopts a folded or an open conformation.

Objectives

As conformational changes in self‐antigens play a role in the pathophysiology of different autoimmune diseases, we hypothesized that the conformation of ADAMTS‐13 changes during acute aTTP.

Methods

Antibodies recognizing cryptic epitopes in the spacer domain were generated. Next, the conformation of ADAMTS‐13 in 40 healthy donors (HDs), 99 aTTP patients (63 in the acute phase versus 36 in remission), 12 hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS) patients and 63 sepsis patients was determined with ELISA.

Results

The antibody 1C4 recognizes a cryptic epitope in ADAMTS‐13. Therefore, we were able to discriminate between a folded and an open ADAMTS‐13 conformation. We showed that ADAMTS‐13 in HDs does not bind to 1C4, indicating that ADAMTS‐13 circulates in a folded conformation. Similar results were obtained for HUS and sepsis patients. In contrast, ADAMTS‐13 of acute aTTP patients bound to 1C4 in 92% of the cases, whereas, in most cases, this binding was abolished during remission, showing that the conformation of ADAMTS‐13 is open during an acute aTTP episode.

Conclusions

Our study shows that, besides absent ADAMTS‐13 activity and the presence of anti‐ADAMTS‐13 autoantibodies, an open ADAMTS‐13 conformation is also a hallmark of acute aTTP. Demonstrating this altered ADAMTS‐13 conformation in acute aTTP will help to further unravel the pathophysiology of aTTP and lead to improved therapy and diagnosis.