coagulation factor XIa

Coagulation factor XIa is the activated serine protease form of human coagulation factor XI, a protein primarily synthesized in the liver. FXIa plays a pivotal role in the intrinsic (contact) pathway of blood coagulation by activating downstream factors such as IX, V, VIII, X, and XII. While it is essential for thrombus growth and propagation—especially under pathological conditions—it has only a minor stabilizing role in normal hemostasis. This distinction makes FXIa an attractive target for anticoagulant therapy aimed at reducing thromboembolic risk with potentially lower bleeding complications compared to traditional anticoagulants that target the common pathway (e.g., thrombin or factor Xa). Coagulation factor XIa itself is being investigated as both a therapeutic agent (replacement therapy for severe inherited deficiency) and as a biological target for novel anticoagulant drugs[1][3][4][6].

Other names

human coagulation factor XIFXIa