Thromb Haemost 2010; 104(05): 941-948
DOI: 10.1160/TH10-03-0193
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Interaction of PF4 (CXCL4) with the vasculature: A role in atherosclerosis and angiogenesis

Sallouha Aidoudi
1   INSERM U920, «Molecular Mechanisms of Angiogenesis», Talence, France
2   Université Bordeaux I, Talence, France
3   INSERM VINCO U916, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux Cedex, France
,
Andreas Bikfalvi
1   INSERM U920, «Molecular Mechanisms of Angiogenesis», Talence, France
2   Université Bordeaux I, Talence, France
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 25 March 2010

Accepted after major revision: 12 July 2010

Publication Date:
24 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Platelet factor-4 (PF4), a platelet-derived chemokine, has two important functions in the vasculature. It has a pro-atherogenic role while also having anti-angiogenic effects. The activity of platelet factor-4 (PF4), unlike other chemokines that bind to specific receptors, depends on its unusually high affinity for proteoglycans and other negatively charged molecules. High affinity for heparan sulfates was thought to be central to all of PF4’s biological functions. However, other mechanisms have been described such as direct growth factor binding, activation of the CXCR3B chemokine receptor isoform that is present in some vascular cells or binding to lipoprotein-related protein-1 (LRP1). Furthermore, PF4 also binds to integrins with affinities similar to matrix molecules. These interactions may explain the effects of PF4 in healthy and pathological tissues. However, the mechanisms involved in PF4’s activity are complex and may depend on a given tissue or localisation. Overall, while much is already known about PF4, its specific role in atherosclerosis and angiogenesis remains still to be clarified.