Tissue factor-coagulation factor VIIa complex (TF-FVIIa)

The Tissue factor-coagulation factor VIIa (TF-FVIIa) complex, also known as the extrinsic tenase, is the primary physiological initiator of the blood coagulation cascade (StatPearls, PMID: 30252333). It is formed upon vascular injury when the transmembrane glycoprotein Tissue Factor (TF) is exposed to and binds circulating Factor VII or its activated form, Factor VIIa (UniProt, P13726). This complex catalyzes the conversion of zymogens Factor X and Factor IX into their active serine protease forms, eventually leading to the generation of thrombin and the formation of a stable fibrin clot. In addition to its central role in hemostasis, the TF-FVIIa complex triggers intracellular signaling pathways by cleaving protease-activated receptors (PARs), which contributes to processes such as inflammation, wound healing, and tumor-associated angiogenesis (PubMed, PMID: 22507811). Consequently, the TF-FVIIa complex is a significant therapeutic target for the development of anticoagulants and anti-tumor agents designed to modulate its enzymatic activity or assembly. Drugs targeting this complex, such as NAPc2 and various monoclonal antibodies, aim to prevent pathological thrombosis without severely compromising normal hemostasis (PubMed, PMID: 11523931).

Other names

Extrinsic tenase complexTissue factor-activated factor VII complexThromboplastin-FVIIa complexTF-FVIIa complex

Inhibition of the proteolytic activity of the TF-FVIIa complex or prevention of the assembly of the complex to block the activation of Factor X and Factor IX.