New therapeutic applications for the anticoagulant, activated protein C.
BACKGROUND
Activated protein C (APC) is derived from its precursor, protein C (PC). Originally thought to be synthesised exclusively by the liver, recent reports have shown that PC is also produced by endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, keratinocytes and some leukocytes.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an update on the emerging therapeutic effects of APC.


CONCLUSIONS
APC functions as an anticoagulant with cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. In vitro and preclinical data have revealed that APC exerts its protective effects via an intriguing mechanism requiring endothelial protein C receptor and protease activated receptor-1. Approved as a therapeutic agent for severe sepsis, APC is emerging as a potential treatment for a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including spinal cord injury, asthma, chronic wounds and possibly rheumatoid arthritis. The future therapeutic uses of APC look very promising.
Jackson
Chris
C
Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratories, Department of Rheumatology, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, 2065 Australia. cjackson@med.usyd.edu.au
Whitmont
Kaley
K
Tritton
Sara
S
March
Lyn
L
Sambrook
Philip
P
Xue
Meilang
M
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D011486:Protein C / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000925:Anticoagulants; D011486:Protein C