Anti-PF4 antibodies are a potential mediator of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-induced thrombocytopenia. Free

Introduction: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) technology has emerged as a transformative approach in molecular therapeutics, offering precise regulation of gene expression. ASOs are short, synthetic single-stranded nucleic acids that bind to target RNA sequences via Watson–Crick base pairing. Depending on their chemical modifications (e.g., phosphorothioate linkages) and sequence design (e.g., aptamer, gapmer), ASOs can mediate RNA degradation via RNase H, modulate pre-mRNA splicing, or inhibit translation. This targeted mechanism of action positions ASOs as promising treatments for a variety of genetic, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. More than 10 ASOs have received regulatory approval. However, safety concerns like injection site reactions, thrombocytopenia, renal toxicity, and liver enzyme elevations have somewhat limited their broader clinical application. Notably, Inotersen and Volanesorsen were associated with severe thrombocytopenic events, including fatalities in phase 3 trials of Volanesorsen. This clinical profile of ASO-associated thrombocytopenia mirrors some aspects of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), an immune-mediated condition triggered by anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies recognizing PF4–heparin complexes.

Hypothesis & Methods: This study investigated the hypothesis that PF4, a positively charged protein, interacts with negatively charged ASOs to form immunogenic complexes that expose neoepitopes, triggering recognition by pathogenic antibodies from HIT patients. Twelve ASOs, Inotersen, Eplontersen, Olezarsen, Fomivirsen, Mipomersen, Tofersen, Nusinersen, Eteplirsen, Golodirsen, Viltolarsen, Casimersen (all FDA approved) and Volanesorsen (EMA approved) were evaluated in this study. All twelve ASOs had lengths ranging from 18 to 30 nucleotides. The association of HIT patient antibodies with ASO-PF4 complexes was evaluated by ELISA and analytical ultracentrifugation. Functional testing was performed with donor platelets treated with ASOs.

Results: HIT antibodies recognized PF4–ASO complexes in 7 out of 12 ASOs in a stoichiometry-dependent manner, similar to PF4-heparin complexes, with maximal binding at specific molar ratios. HIT antibodies activated platelets incubated with Inotersen and Volanesorsen, analogous to HIT antibody-mediated activation of heparin-treated platelets in assays such as the serotonin release assay. Interestingly, the addition of Fomivirsen and Eteplirsen induced platelet activation independent of HIT antibodies. Many ASOs have phosphorothioate [PS] linkages, a modification that enhances stability to nuclease digestion and confers additional pharmacokinetic advantages. All ASO-PF4 complexes recognized by HIT antibodies in ELISA and those that supported HIT antibody-mediated platelet activation contained PS linkages. Removal of PS linkages from a PS-containing ASO, Inotersen, abolished antibody binding to PF4-Inotersen complexes, and HIT antibody-mediated platelet activation of Inotersen-treated platelets. Conversely, introducing PS linkages into a non-PS containing ASO, Viltolarsen conferred immunogenic properties to the modified ASO, supporting both recognition by HIT antibodies in ELISA and activation of platelets by HIT antibodies. A platelet binding assay revealed nearly five-fold greater HIT antibody binding to human platelets pretreated with PS-modified ASOs compared to their PS-free counterparts. Analytical ultracentrifugation confirmed that PF4 formed large aggregates immediately upon interaction with PS-containing ASOs. Additionally, we isolated and recombinantly expressed a human monoclonal HIT-like antibody that recognizes PF4–ASO complexes in ELISA and activates ASO-treated platelets in functional assays which could serve as a valuable reagent to investigate ASO-mediated thrombocytopenia.Conclusion: With two ASOs, Fomivirsen and Eteplirsen, direct activation of platelets was noted. Studies with additional ASOs revealed a novel immune mechanism involving ASO-PF4 complex formation and anti-PF4 antibody recognition that can plausibly mediate ASO-induced thrombocytopenia. These findings highlight the key role PS linkages may play in ASO immunogenicity and provide a mechanistic framework for risk mitigation in ASO drug design, supporting the safer development and broader application of ASO therapeutics.