ITGA2B and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: ITP is characterized by thrombocytopenia and purpura resulting from the binding of platelets by autoantibodies directed toward platelet surface glycoproteins (GPs), especially GP IIb/IIIa and the GP Ib/IX complex, leading to their clearance by the reticulo-endothelial system [1–3].