Inhibiting the intrinsic pathway of coagulation with a FXII-targeting RNA Aptamer

摘要

BackgroundExposure of the plasma protein factor XII to an anionic surface generates activated factor XII that not only triggers the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation through the activatio of factor XI, but also mediates various vascular responses through activation of the plasma contact system. While deficiencies of factor XII are not associated with excessive bleeding, thrombosis models in factor deficient animals have suggested that this protein contributes to stable thrombus formation. Therefore, factor XII has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target to treat or prevent pathological thrombosis formation without increasing the risk for hemorrhage.