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

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.