Mouse Models of Platelet Alloimmunization and Refractoriness.

We have established murine models of platelet alloimmunization and refractoriness. Our approaches utilize commonly available strains of mice, along with flow cytometry-based techniques to evaluate the magnitude and quality of the alloimmune response to platelet transfusion and the functional outcomes of these alloresponses. Using these methods, we can evaluate the relative immunogenicity of different blood products, the impact of recipient health on alloimmunization outcomes, and the ability of different interventions to prevent these damaging responses. Here, we discuss the approaches used to prepare platelets for transfusion, measure anti-class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alloantibody responses, and assess the ability of these antibodies to mediate platelet refractoriness.