Studies of the human factor VIII/von Willebrand's factor protein. II. Identification and characterization of the von Willebrand protein.

The purified factor VIII-related protein we have previously characterized from normal cryoprecipitate possesses both procoagulant activity and vWf activity. We have attempted to isolate and characterize this protein from three patients with severe vWd. This protein is absent or markedly diminished in amount in these vWd patients, as judged by gel filtration, polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, and immunoprecipitation assays. Likewise, the procoagulant and vWf activities are deficient. As vWf activity is one of the major biologic functions of either the normal or hemophilic factor VIII-related protein, the purified protein should be designated the f VIII/vWf protein.