**Background of TF Antibodies**
Tissue Factor (TF), also known as coagulation factor III or CD142. is a transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by the *F3* gene. It serves as the primary initiator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade by binding to Factor VII/VIIa, triggering thrombin generation and fibrin formation. Beyond its role in hemostasis and thrombosis, TF is implicated in pathological conditions, including cancer progression, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. In cancer, aberrant TF expression promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by activating intracellular signaling pathways and releasing procoagulant microparticles.
TF antibodies are immunological tools designed to target and modulate TF activity. In research, they are used to study TF's biological functions, such as its interplay with cellular receptors or its role in disease mechanisms. Therapeutically, monoclonal anti-TF antibodies (e.g., hI-con1. altutomab) have been explored to inhibit TF-driven pathways in cancers or to mitigate thrombotic risks in sepsis and COVID-19. Additionally, TF antibodies aid in diagnostic applications, such as detecting TF overexpression in tumors via immunohistochemistry.
Challenges in TF antibody development include balancing anticoagulant effects without inducing bleeding risks and ensuring specificity to avoid off-target interactions. Ongoing research aims to refine antibody design for improved therapeutic efficacy, highlighting TF's dual role as a critical hemostatic protein and a multifunctional player in disease.