Human PF4 ELISA Kit (CXCL4)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The protein Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) also known as CXCL4 is a member of the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand family. This small protein has a molecular weight of approximately 7.8 kDa. PF4 is mainly expressed in megakaryocytes and stored in the alpha granules of platelets. During platelet activation PF4 releases into the bloodstream where it interacts with other proteins and cell types. Researchers measure PF4 levels with methods such as PF4 ELISA to study its expression and functions under various physiological and pathological conditions.

Biological function summary

PF4 plays an important role in modulating the immune response and coagulation processes. PF4 is not part of a stable protein complex but can interact dynamically with heparin on the surface of endothelial cells and glycosaminoglycans. It inhibits the action of heparin promoting clot formation and angiogenesis. PF4 also attracts and activates different types of leukocytes and can regulate inflammatory processes influencing how the immune system responds to injury.

Pathways

PF4 significantly interacts with both the coagulation and inflammation pathways. In the coagulation pathway PF4 acts to neutralize heparin-like molecules thereby enhancing thrombosis. It works closely with proteins such as thrombin and fibrinogen contributing to the blood clot cascade. Within the inflammatory pathway PF4's chemokine activity helps direct leukocytes to sites of tissue damage or infection linking it to cytokines and other chemokines that mediate immune responses.

Associated diseases and disorders

Researchers associate PF4 with conditions such as thrombosis and autoimmune pathologies. In thrombosis the overexpression of PF4 can lead to excessive clot formation pointing to its interaction with proteins like thrombin. PF4 also plays a role in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) a disorder where the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against heparin-PF4 complexes further indicating its direct involvement with immune and coagulation pathways.