HLA-null platelets

HLA-null platelets are laboratory-produced human platelets that lack expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. These are typically generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by knocking out the β2-microglobulin gene or other components essential for surface expression of HLA-I. The absence of HLA-I prevents recognition and destruction by anti-HLA antibodies and reduces activation by natural killer (NK) cells, making these "universal" donor products suitable for patients with platelet transfusion refractoriness due to alloimmunization against conventional platelet antigens. Mechanistically, these engineered cells evade immune-mediated clearance while retaining normal hemostatic function in preclinical models. The primary indication is treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients who have developed immune refractoriness to standard platelet transfusions[1][5].

Other names

HLA class I knockout plateletsiPSC-derived HLA-null plateletsuniversal donor platelets