Anticoagulation proteins

“Anticoagulation proteins" refers to a heterogeneous group of endogenous plasma proteins that act to inhibit or regulate blood coagulation, thereby preventing pathological clot formation. Major representatives include antithrombin, protein C, protein S, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor, each controlling different steps in the coagulation cascade. They are clinically relevant as deficiencies or dysfunctions in these proteins dramatically increase the risk of thrombosis, and several therapeutic strategies exploit or enhance the function of these proteins. However, as a term, “anticoagulation proteins” is overly broad and not specific to a single therapeutic target or pathway.

Other names

anticoagulant proteinsnatural anticoagulantsendogenous anticoagulant proteins

Inhibition of clotting factor activity (e.g., inhibition of thrombin or factor Xa), Potentiation of natural inhibitors (e.g., heparin potentiates antithrombin), Interference with vitamin K-dependent synthesis of factors