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Semin Thromb Hemost 2011; 37(4): 349-354
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1276583
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Protein C Inhibitor

Joost C.M. Meijers1 , Heiko Herwald2
  • 1Departments of Vascular Medicine and Experimental Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Clinical and Experimental Infection Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
30 July 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Protein C inhibitor (PCI) is a serine protease inhibitor and was originally identified as an inhibitor of activated protein C (APC). However, PCI is not specific for APC and also inhibits several proteases involved in coagulation, fibrinolysis, cancer, wound healing, and fertility. The biological function of PCI is unknown due to broad enzyme specificity, its wide tissue distribution, and the lack of a suitable animal model. This review highlights the specific roles of PCI in the areas of hemostasis and thrombosis and fertilization, and it also describes the latest information on the fascinating participation of the protein in intracellular processes, phospholipid binding, and killing of bacteria.

KEYWORDS

Protein C inhibitor - SERPIN - inhibition

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Joost C.M. MeijersPh.D. 

Experimental Vascular Medicine, G1-143, Academic Medical Center

Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Email: j.c.meijers@amc.uva.nl