Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH
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J. Thromb. Haemost. · Nov 2010
ReviewCoagulation factor XI as a novel target for antithrombotic treatment.
Coagulation factor (F)XI was first described as a member of the contact pathway of coagulation. However, the 'classic' theory of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathway has been revised and FXI was found to be activated by thrombin and to play a role in sustained thrombin generation and fibrinolysis inhibition. Recent studies have pointed to a disproportionate role of FXI in thrombosis and hemostasis. ⋯ Because of its distinctive function in thrombosis and hemostasis, FXI is an attractive target for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolism. A novel strategy for FXI inhibition is the use of antisense technology which has been studied in various thrombosis and bleeding animal models. The results are promising and support the concept that targeting FXI might serve as a new, effective and potentially safer alternative for the treatment of thromboembolic disease in humans.