Blood components and vascular surface

Blood components and vascular surface is a broad physiological category rather than a single molecular target. It encompasses the cellular and acellular elements of the blood—including erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and plasma proteins—as well as the endothelial lining of the blood vessels. This system is critical for maintaining hemostasis, transporting nutrients and oxygen, and facilitating immune surveillance. In pharmacology, this term is often used to describe the site of action for drugs that manage cardiovascular and hematological conditions, such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and thrombolytics. For example, heparin acts on plasma proteins like antithrombin III, while aspirin targets enzymes within platelets to prevent aggregation. Additionally, certain imaging agents and plasma expanders are designed to remain within this compartment to visualize the vasculature or maintain blood volume. Because it represents a complex assembly of various proteins and cells, it does not fit the standard definition of a canonical therapeutic target, which typically refers to a specific protein or nucleic acid.

Other names

Blood and vascular systemHematological compartmentVascular endothelium and blood cellsCirculatory system components

Drugs associated with this category act by modulating the activity of various proteins and cells within the blood and on the vessel walls, such as inhibiting clotting factors, preventing platelet activation, or enzymatically dissolving fibrin clots.