Tissue Factor (TF)

Tissue factor (TF) is a protein found on the surface of cells, especially those involved in blood vessel walls and tissues. It plays a crucial role in the body’s healing process by initiating blood clotting when there’s an injury. When blood vessels are damaged, TF interacts with a component in the blood, triggering a cascade of reactions that form a clot to stop bleeding. It is essential for normal wound healing but can also contribute to unwanted clotting in certain conditions, leading to complications such as heart attacks or strokes.