Studies Have Shown That Anti-Platelet Antibodies can Inhibit Megakaryocyte Maturation and Proliferation. In addition, these antibodies can damage megakaryocytes and/or at least block their release of platelets. Also, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells may damage platelets and megakaryocytes. All of these factors and viral infections, such as CMV, may contribute to reduced platelet production in ITP. The fact that thrombopoietin levels do not substantially increase in the setting of thrombocytopenia in ITP may also contribute to the failure to augment platelet production in many of these patients.