Antibodies to von Willebrand Factor

Antibodies to von Willebrand Factor (vWF) are proteins your immune system mistakenly produces that target and neutralize vWF, a crucial protein involved in blood clotting. Normally, vWF helps blood stick to damaged blood vessels and form clots to prevent excessive bleeding. When antibodies attack vWF, it can lead to a type of bleeding disorder called acquired von Willebrand disease. This condition causes increased bleeding risks because the body is unable to effectively form clots. It often occurs in people with other autoimmune or underlying health conditions, and managing it involves treatments that reduce antibody production or supplement vWF.