Role of CD 36 in immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia in Asian populations

It has been suggested that type I cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36)‐deficient individuals are at risk of developing anti‐CD36 isoantibodies (also known as anti‐Naka) after receiving platelet transfusions or during pregnancy. These antibodies are responsible for several immune thrombocytopenic disorders including fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), post‐transfusion purpura and platelet‐transfusion refractoriness (PTR). In Asian populations, anti‐CD36 isoantibodies are more frequently found in PTR and FNAIT patients compared to alloantibodies against human platelet antigens. In this short review, we illustrate the relevance of CD36 by providing information on the frequency and molecular basis of CD36 deficiency, laboratory diagnostic tests of CD36 antigens/antibodies and treatment of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia caused by anti‐CD36 antibodies.