A role for procarboxypepidase U (TAFI) in thrombosis

Abstract

The maintenance of the equilibrium between coagulation and fibrinolysis is crucial for normal haemostasis. In contrast, pathologic consequences of imbalance manifest tendencies of bleeding or thrombosis. Procarboxypeptidase U (proCPU, TAFI) is recognized as an important link between the coagulation system and fibrinolysis. Following activation by thrombin (IIa), carboxypeptidase U (CPU) exerts an antifibrinolytic effect by abolishing the cofactor function of partially degraded fibrin in plasminogen (Pg) activation. This review article focuses on the role of the proCPU/CPU system in the balance between fibrin deposition and removal. How a disturbed system can lead to a higher thrombotic tendency is discussed, while CPU inhibition as a new drug target for fibrinolytic therapy is extensively reviewed.