Tissue factor, the blood, and the arterial wall

Thrombogenic tissue factor (TF) on cell-derived microparticles is present in the circulating blood of patients with acute coronary syndromes. Recently, we reported that leukocytes transfer TF-positive particles to platelet thrombi, making them capable of triggering and propagating thrombus growth. This observation changes the original dogma that vessel-wall injury and exposure of tissue factor within the vasculature to blood is sufficient for the occurrence of arterial thrombosis. The transfer of TF-positive leukocyte particles is dependent on the interaction of CD15 and TF with platelet thrombi. The inhibition of TF transfer and TF activity suggests a novel therapeutic approach to the prevention of thrombosis that may prove to be effective in disorders associated with increased blood TF. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 2000;10:139-143). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.