Immunoblot analysis shows changes in factor VIII inhibitor chain specificity in factor VIII inhibitor patients over time

We have used immunoblotting of purified factor VIII (FVIII) to determine whether or not changes in FVIII chain specificity occur during the course of an inhibitor. Serial plasma samples from 15 inhibitor patients (13 hemophilic and two spontaneous) were analyzed. Nine of the 15 antibodies, all with epitopes on the 44-kilodalton (Kd) thrombin fragment of the 92-Kd FVIII heavy chain and/or the 72-Kd thrombin fragment of the 80-Kd FVIII light chain, showed no change in FVIII chain specificity. However, six of the inhibitors analyzed showed changes in FVIII fragment specificity. Four inhibitors (three hemophilic and one spontaneous) reactive with 72-Kd thrombin fragment also became reactive with the 44-Kd thrombin fragment after an anamnestic response to FVIII infusion. Another inhibitor with epitopes on both the 54-Kd and 44-Kd thrombin fragments lost most of its reactivity with the 44-Kd fragment but retained its reactivity with the 54-Kd fragment following a FVIII infusion. The inhibitor later regained its 44-Kd-fragment reactivity but lost its 54-Kd-fragment reactivity following treatment with FEIBA, FVIII inhibitor bypassing activity. The last inhibitor studied had an antibody to either the 44-Kd fragment or to both the 44-Kd and 72-Kd fragments during anamnestic responses to FVIII. These data indicate that a FVIII inhibitor patient can potentially produce antibody to multiple areas on the FVIII molecule and that this must be taken into account in the design of specific therapeutic products.