From the Research
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Phospholipid Membrane
- Antiphospholipid antibodies are a group of antibodies that can specifically bind to anionic phospholipids and phospholipid protein complexes 1.
- These antibodies target phospholipid (PL) and/or PL-binding plasma proteins, and can be detected in the laboratory by immunoassays and functional coagulation tests 2.
- The binding of beta(2)GP-I (apolipoprotein H) to the negatively charged PL, cardiolipin (CL) provides a good example of the circumstance where a particular PL may be responsible for binding and highly concentrating a specific plasma protein, the latter then becomes the target for the aPL 2.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies are a diverse group of antibodies with specificity for binding to negatively charged phospholipids on cell surfaces 3.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are autoimmune antibodies directed toward phospholipids or phospholipid-protein complexes, particularly those containing β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) 4.
Specificity of Antiphospholipid Antibodies
- Antiphospholipid antibodies can be specific to certain phospholipids, such as cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine 2, 4.
- The specificity of antiphospholipid antibodies can be defined according to the particular PL substrate present, for example, aPS represents antiphosphatidylserine antibodies 2.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies can also be specific to phospholipid-protein complexes, such as those containing β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) 4.
Part of the Phospholipid Membrane Affected
- Antiphospholipid antibodies can affect the negatively charged phospholipids on the cell surface 3.
- The antibodies can bind to the phospholipid membrane, particularly to the anionic phospholipids, and modulate various cellular processes, including NETs formation, monocyte activation, and vascular endothelial cell activation 1.