The endothelial protein C receptor

Purpose of review The endothelial cell protein C receptor is known to be critical for the regulation of natural anticoagulant functions and some anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic functions of activated protein C. This leads to the prediction that abnormalities in endothelial cell protein C receptor might be associated with altered thrombotic tendencies and hyperinflammatory responses to infectious agents. This review covers the most recent evidence that relatively common genetic and acquired abnormalities of endothelial cell protein C receptor do contribute to pathophysiological disease processes. Recent findings In mice, increases and decreases in endothelial cell protein C receptor expression are shown to modulate the coagulation and inflammatory proceses. Genetic polymorphisms are associated with alterations in protein expression and familial and acquired thrombotic disease. Summary The emerging clinical evidence of endothelial cell protein C receptor involvement in thrombotic disease suggests that the understanding of endothelial cell protein C receptor genotype and the knowledge of auto-antibodies may aid in diagnosing the risk of thrombotic events in patients.