| abstract |
Activation of PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1) with for example a small molecule or antibody derivative provides a new therapeutic route for modifying platelet activation and thrombus formation which has utility in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as thrombosis, stroke and vascular occlusion and in the treatment or prevention of homeostasis disorders. This gives a better approach to the treatment of these conditions than existing drugs as it activates a general inhibitory mechanism rather than merely blocking one arm of the activation system. A screen for activators of PECAM-1 comprises PECAM-1, an ectodomain of PECAM-1, the cytoplasmic tail of PECAM-1, the ITIM of PECAM-1, an active site of PECAM-1, a recombinant extracellular domain of PECAM-1, or a part of derivative thereof and means for detecting activation or cross-linking or phosphorylation or tyrosine phosphorylation of PECAM-1, an ectodomain of PECAM-1, the cytoplasmic tail of PECAM-1, the IPIM of PECAM-1, an active site of PECAM-1, a recombinant extracellular domain of PECAM-1, or a part or derivative thereof. |