Lymphocyte Disturbances in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Application to Venous Thromboembolism Follow-Up.

Among patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), the persistent detection of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (Ab) represents an independent high risk factor for recurrence. However, oral anticoagulation vitamin K antagonist therapy, frequently used in these patients, is problematic in assessing and/or confirming a diagnosis of primary aPL syndrome (pAPS), suggesting use of alternative strategies. For this reason, and by analogy with other autoimmune diseases, a flow cytometer approach testing peripheral T cell subsets (CD3, CD4, and CD8), B cell subsets (B1, transitional, naive, and memory), and NK cells can be proposed.

Annexin A2 autoantibodies in thrombosis and autoimmune diseases.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by arterial, venous or small-vessel thrombotic events, and recurrent miscarriages or fetal loss. APS diagnosis is based on the repeated detection of anti-phospholipid (PL) antibodies (Ab), typically associated with anti-β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI)-Ab. Recent studies suggest that anti-β2GPI Ab activity involves a protein complex including β2GPI and annexin A2 (ANXA2).