Characterization of liposomes carrying von Willebrand factor-binding domain of platelet glycoprotein Ibα: A potential substitute for platelet transfusion

Platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX/V complex is a receptor for von Willebrand factor (vWf), which plays a crucial role in primary hemostasis by mediating platelet adhesion to injured blood vessels. We have expressed in CHO cells a fragment of GPIba that retained a vWf-binding function. The recombinant fragment (rGPIba) was incorporated into liposomes and evaluated their functions in vitro. rGPIba on the liposome surface was detectable by flow cytometric analysis. Addition of vWf and ristocetin caused specific agglutination of rGPIbα-liposomes, as evaluated by an aggregometer or a fluorescent microscopy. When ristocetin was added to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) pre-mixed with rhodamine-labeled rGPIbα-liposomes, platelets aggregated and rhodamine-fluorescence was strongly positive in the platelet thrombi, suggesting that heterologous aggregation (attachment of liposomes to platelets) occurred. Platelet aggregation in PRP at low platelet concentration (20-80 x 10⁶/ml) was enhanced by rGPIbα-liposomes in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, rGPIbα-liposomes may accumulate on vWf-exposed subendothelial tissues and enhance platelet function in vivo supporting hemostasis in thrombocytopenic individuals.