Evidence that platelets from transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients induce T cell activation.

A hypercoagulable state leading to increased risk for thrombotic events represents one of the most common complications observed in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) patients. TDT patients have increased frequencies of circulating activated platelets. However, there is no information so far if platelets from TDT patients can activate T cells.