Interactions of neutrophils and coagulation proteins.

Some of the interactions between coagulation factors and neutrophils are described. Proteins of the contact system, FXa, thrombin, and fibrinogen all bind to various sites on the neutrophil. This binding has a dual purpose: the assembly of coagulation complexes such as the prothrombinase complex and the contact system on the neutrophil membrane and influencing the various neutrophil functions including chemotaxis, aggregation, degranulation, and transendothelial migration. In addition, neutrophil elastase degrades many coagulation proteins, thus modulating both the thrombotic and the fibrinolytic systems. These interactions should be viewed in a wider context as part of the links between the coagulation and inflammation pathways.