SYNONYMS
CXCL4, PF-4, PF4, Iroplact, Oncostatin-A, SCYB4, MGC138298.
INTRODUCTION
Platelet factor-4 is a 70-amino acid protein that is released from the alpha-granules of activated platelets and binds with high affinity to heparin. Its major physiologic role appears to be neutralization of heparin-like molecules on the endothelial surface of blood vessels, thereby inhibiting local antithrombin III activity and promoting coagulation. As a strong chemoattractant for neutrophils and fibroblasts, PF4 probably has a role in inflammation and wound repair. Oncostatin-A is a member of the CXC chemokine family. Human PF4 is used for the proof of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Furthermore it is used as an inhibitor in the angiogenesis during tumor therapy.
DESCRIPTION
Human PF-4 a 7.8 kDa protein consisting of 70 amino acid residues.
