Abstract

Thrombin, a plasma serine protease, plays a key role not only in coagulation and hemostasis but in thrombosis, restenosis and atherosclerosis. Thrombin activates platelets, endothelium, inflammatory cells and smooth muscle cells. The cellular action of thrombin is mediated by specific G-protein coupled thrombin receptors called proteinase-activated receptors (protease-activated receptor or PARs). Among the three thrombin receptors, PAR1 is the primary thrombin receptor in human and animal cells with an exception of non-primate platelets. An increased thrombin generation and PAR1 expression are observed on cells within atherosclerotic plaque and thrombus and following vascular injury. Animal studies with PAR1 deficient mice and small molecule antagonists indicate an important role of PAR1 in thrombosis and restenosis and thus the therapeutic potential of a PAR1 antagonist in treating these diseases. Development of a thrombin receptor tethered ligand analog binding assay led to the discovery of several different series of potent, nonpeptide small molecular antagonists of PAR1. These antagonists are PAR1 selective and inhibit most of the cellular effects of thrombin. A PAR1 antagonist has an advantage over a direct thrombin inhibitor since it does not inhibit enzymatic action of thrombin in the coagulation cascade with the consequent minimal bleeding side-effects, unlike a direct thrombin inhibitor. In addition, the emerging evidence for the role of PAR1 in various inflammatory diseases suggests as yet unexplored therapeutic potentials of PAR1 antagonists in various inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: proteinase-activated receptor, par1, thrombin, platelet, thrombosis