Catabolism of the coagulation factor VIII: can we prolong lifetime of f VIII in circulation?

The coagulation factor VIII is required for normal haemostasis, because deficiency or genetic defects in this molecule cause a life-threatening coagulation disorder known as hemophilia A. While the role of f VIII in the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation has been extensively studied, the mechanisms responsible for f VIII turnover in circulation have not been characterized until recently. This review focuses on the finding that f VIII catabolism in vitro and in vivo is mediated by low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), representing a hepatic clearance receptor. FVIII interaction with LRP involves two distinct sites localized within the C2 and A2 domains of f VIII. We discuss the contribution of the A2 site (residues 484-509) and the C2 site in f VIII catabolism in the presence and absence of vWf. We present the evidence that LRP-mediated f VIII catabolism is facilitated by cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which bind to the A2 residues 558-565 of f VIII. Because both LRP- and HSPGs-binding sites within the A2 domain are potentially exposed in the circulating f VIII/vWf complex, we discuss the possibility of prolongation of the f VIII lifetime in circulation by disrupting these sites employing site-directed mutagenesis. In its turn, generation of a novel recombinant f VIII may be prospective for more efficient hemophilia A therapy.

Haemophilia A: effects of inhibitory antibodies on factor VIII functional interactions and approaches to prevent their action.

Factor VIII (FVIII) is an essential component of the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. Normal functioning of FVIII requires its interactions with other components of the coagulation cascade. In the circulation, it exists as a complex with von Willebrand factor (vWF). Upon activation by thrombin or activated factor X (FXa), activated FVIII (FVIIIa) functions as a cofactor for the serine protease factor IXa. Their complex assembled on the phospholipid surface activates FX to FXa, which consequently participates in formation of thrombin, the key protease of the coagulation cascade. Genetic deficiency in FVIII results in a coagulation disorder haemophilia A, which is treated by infusions of FVIII products. Approximately 25-30% of patients develop antibodies inhibiting FVIII activity (FVIII inhibitors). The major epitopes of inhibitors are located within the A2, C2 and A3 domains of the FVIII molecule. The inhibitory effects of antibodies are manifested at various stages of the FVIII functional pathway, including FVIII binding to vWF, activation of FVIII by thrombin, and FVIIIa incorporation into the Xase complex. We summarize the current knowledge of the FVIII sites involved in interaction with its physiological ligands and different classes of inhibitory antibodies and describe their inhibitory mechanisms. We outline the strategies aimed to overcome the effects of inhibitory antibodies such as development of human/porcine FVIII molecules, resistant to inhibitors. We also discuss approaches to modulate the antibody response, as well as efforts to develop a long-term immunotolerance to FVIII protein.