Pharmacological targeting of coagulation factor XI attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice

Tia C. L. Kohs, Ph.D.
Oregon Health and Science University
Portland, OR, U.S.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system. Individuals experiencing relapsing-remitting MS have elevated levels of coagulation factor (F) XII in their plasma. Kohs, Ph.D., discusses the pharmacological targeting of FXI, a major substrate of activated FXII (FXIIa) in potentially improving neurological function and mitigating central nervous system damage in a murine model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Results of this study show reduced clinical severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in addition to decreased axonal damage and fibrin(ogen) accumulation in the spinal cord.