Thrombomodulin Biology and potential cardiovascular applications.

Thrombomodulin on endothelial surfaces is the major cofactor for the activation of the anticoagulant protein C by thrombin. Recent studies of the structure and regulation of thrombomodulin provide important clues as to its mechanism of action. These studies should enable the rational use of thrombomodulin as a therapeutic agent to inhibit coagulation either by infusion of thrombomodulin or its derivatives, or by pharmacologic alteration of cellular levels.