Defective collagen binding and increased bleeding in a murine model of von Willebrand disease affecting collagen IV binding

The Role of the von Willebrand Factor Collagen-Binding Assay (VWF:CB) in the Diagnosis and Treatment of von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and Way Beyond: A Comprehensive 36-Year History

The von Willebrand factor (VWF) collagen binding (VWF:CB) assay was first reported for use in von Willebrand diagnostics in 1986, by Brown and Bosak. Since then, the VWF:CB has continued to be used to help diagnose von Willebrand disease (VWD) (correctly) and also to help assign the correct subtype, as well as to assist in the monitoring of VWD therapy, especially desmopressin (DDAVP). However, it is important to recognize that the specific value of any VWF:CB is predicated on the use of an optimized VWF:CB, and that not all VWF:CB assays are so optimized. There are some good commercial assays available, but there are also some "not-so-good" commercial assays available, and these may continue to give the VWF:CB "a bad reputation." In addition to VWD diagnosis and management, the VWF:CB found purpose in a variety of other applications, from assessing ADAMTS13 activity, to investigation into acquired von Willebrand syndrome (especially as associated with use of mechanical circulatory support or cardiac assist devices), to assessment of VWF activity in disease states in where an excess of high-molecular-weight VWF may accumulate, and lead to increased (micro)thrombosis risk (e.g., coronavirus disease 2019, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). The VWF:CB turns 37 in 2023. This review is a celebration of the utility of the VWF:CB over this nearly 40-year history.

Tissue dynamics of von Willebrand factor characterized by a novel fluorescent protein-von Willebrand factor chimera

BACKGROUND

Tissue dynamics of von Willebrand factor (VWF) that are vital to its biological function have not been fully characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new fluorescent protein--VWF chimera (FP-VWF) that has similar hematologic function to wild-type VWF and use it to monitor the tissue dynamics of VWF distribution.

METHODS

Genotyping, platelet counting, tail bleeding time assay, agarose gels, western blot, platelet aggregation, proteolytic analysis, and ELISA were applied in characterizing the function of FP-VWF; fluorescence spectrometer and confocal fluorescence microscope were used to monitor the plasma and tissue distribution of FP-VWF.

RESULTS

The transgenic mice that carry the FP-VWF retain hematologic activity of VWF with plasma levels of FP-VWF reduced by 50% and there are reduced high molecular weight FP-VWF multimers compared to the wild-type mice. The GPIb-binding and ADAMTS-13 (A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease with ThrombSpondin type 1 motif, member 13) proteolytic efficiency of FP-VWF are similar to wild-type VWF. The tissue distribution of FP-VWF was probed directly through its intrinsic fluorescence at normal or stimulated status, which indicated that the medicine-stimulated endogenous FP-VWF seems primarily released from the aorta and cleared in the spleen. Similar results were observed in non-fluorescent mice through a standard immunofluorescence approach. The fluorescence signals of FP-VWF were also similar to the standard dye-based approach in detecting the FeCl3 -induced blood clotting in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results suggest that this novel FP-VWF chimera is valuable in probing the tissue dynamics of VWF in quite a few biological and pharmaceutical applications.

von Willebrand factor variant D1472H has no effect in mice with humanized VWF-platelet interactions

The von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor activity assay (VWF:RCo) is used for diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) because of its ability to evaluate VWF binding to platelets. VWF sequence variant p.D1472H is associated with lower VWF:RCo levels in the absence of associated bleeding symptoms, indicating the VWF:RCo may not be accurate for characterizing VWF function in individuals with this variant. Thus, this study aimed to determine the implications of the variant on VWF functioning in vivo. Mice were engineered with humanized wild-type (WT*) VWF A1/A2 and VWF with the p.D1472H (1472H) variant along with humanized platelet GPIbα and bred to homozygosity. VWF antigen and VWF binding to GPIbα were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gel electrophoresis was used for VWF multimer analysis. Tail bleeding assays were performed at a 3-mm defined length. Normal VWF multimers were preserved in both WT* and 1472H mice. VWF expression was normal in the WT* and 1472H mice, and VWF binding to GPIbα did not statistically differ between the groups. Additionally, tail bleeding times were similar for WT* and 1472H mice. These results show the p.D1472H variant does not impair hemostasis in mice, and support the conclusion that p.D1472H is a normal variant in humans.

The Function of extravascular coagulation factor IX in haemostasis

INTRODUCTION

The majority of clotting factor IX (FIX) resides extravascularly, in the subendothelial basement membrane, where it is important for haemostasis.

AIM

We summarize preclinical studies demonstrating extravascular FIX and its role in haemostasis and discuss clinical observations supporting this. We compare the in vivo binding of BeneFIX^® and the extended half-life FIX, Alprolix^® , to extravascular type IV collagen (Col4).

METHODS

Three mouse models of haemophilia were used: the FIX knockout as the CRM^- model and two knock-in mice, representing a CRM⁺ model of a commonly occurring patient mutation (FIX_R333Q ) or a mutation that binds poorly to Col4 (FIX_K5A ). The murine saphenous vein bleeding model was used to assess haemostatic competency. Clinical publications were reviewed for relevance to extravascular FIX.

RESULTS

CRM status affects recovery and prophylactic efficacy. Prophylactic protection decreases ~5X faster in CRM⁺ animals. Extravascular haemostasis can explain unexpected breakthrough bleeding in patients treated with some EHL-FIX therapeutics. In mice, both Alprolix^® and BeneFIX^® bind Col4 with similar affinities (Kd~20-40 nM) and show dose-dependent recoveries. As expected, the concentration of binding sites in the mouse calculated for Alprolix^® (574 nM) was greater than for BeneFIX^® (405 nM), due to Alprolix^® binding to both Col4 and the endothelial cell neonatal Fc receptor.

CONCLUSION

Preclinical and clinical results support the interpretation that FIX plays a role in haemostasis from its extravascular location. We believe that knowing the CRM status of haemophilia B patients is important for optimizing prophylactic dosing with less trial and error, thereby decreasing clinical morbidity.

DNA binds to a specific site of the adhesive blood-protein von Willebrand factor guided by electrostatic interactions

Neutrophils release their intracellular content, DNA included, into the bloodstream to form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that confine and kill circulating pathogens. The mechanosensitive adhesive blood protein, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), interacts with the extracellular DNA of NETs to potentially immobilize them during inflammatory and coagulatory conditions. Here, we elucidate the previously unknown molecular mechanism governing the DNA–vWF interaction by integrating atomistic, coarse-grained, and Brownian dynamics simulations, with thermophoresis, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), and microfluidic experiments. We demonstrate that, independently of its nucleotide sequence, double-stranded DNA binds to a specific helix of the vWF A1 domain, via three arginines. This interaction is attenuated by increasing the ionic strength. Our FCS and microfluidic measurements also highlight the key role shear-stress has in enabling this interaction. Our simulations attribute the previously-observed platelet-recruitment reduction and heparin-size modulation, upon establishment of DNA–vWF interactions, to indirect steric hindrance and partial overlap of the binding sites, respectively. Overall, we suggest electrostatics—guiding DNA to a specific protein binding site—as the main driving force defining DNA–vWF recognition. The molecular picture of a key shear-mediated DNA–protein interaction is provided here and it constitutes the basis for understanding NETs-mediated immune and hemostatic responses.

Dysfunctional endogenous FIX impairs prophylaxis in a mouse hemophilia B model

Factor IX (FIX) binds to collagen IV (Col4) in the subendothelial basement membrane. In hemophilia B, this FIX-Col4 interaction reduces the plasma recovery of infused FIX and plays a role in hemostasis. Studies examining the recovery of infused BeneFix (FIX_WT) in null (cross-reactive material negative, CRM^-) hemophilia B mice suggest the concentration of Col4 readily available for binding FIX is ∼405 nM with a 95% confidence interval of 374 to 436 nM. Thus, the vascular cache of FIX bound to Col4 is several-fold the FIX level measured in plasma. In a mouse model of prophylactic therapy (testing hemostasis by saphenous vein bleeding 7 days after infusion of 150 IU/kg FIX), FIX_WT and the increased half-life FIXs Alprolix (FIX_FC) and Idelvion (FIX_Alb) produce comparable hemostatic results in CRM^- mice. In bleeding CRM^- hemophilia B mice, the times to first clot at a saphenous vein injury site after the infusions of the FIX agents are significantly different, at FIX_WT < FIX_FC < FIX_Alb Dysfunctional forms of FIX, however, circulate in the majority of patients with hemophilia B (CRM⁺). In the mouse prophylactic therapy model, none of the FIX products improves hemostasis in CRM⁺ mice expressing a dysfunctional FIX, FIX_R333Q, that nevertheless competes with infused FIX for Col4 binding and potentially other processes involving FIX. The results in this mouse model of CRM⁺ hemophilia B demonstrate that the endogenous expression of a dysfunctional FIX can deleteriously affect the hemostatic response to prophylactic therapy.