Platelet-delivered ADAMTS13 inhibits arterial thrombosis and prevents murine models of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (original) (raw)

ADAMTS13 metalloprotease cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF), thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation and arterial thrombosis. An inability to cleave ultra large VWF resulting from hereditary or acquired deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity leads to a potentially fatal syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Plasma exchange is the most effective initial therapy for TTP to date. Here, we report characterization of transgenic mice expressing recombinant human ADAMTS13 (rADAMTS13) in platelets and its efficacy in inhibiting arterial thrombosis and preventing hereditary and acquired antibody-mediated TTP in murine models. Western blotting and fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRETS) assay detect full-length rADAMTS13 protein and its proteolytic activity, respectively, in transgenic (Adamts13(-/-)Plt(A13)), but not in wild type (WT) and Adamts13(-/-) (KO) platelets. The expressed rADAMTS13 is released upon stimulation with thrombin and collagen, but less with 2MesADP....