Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 is induced by thrombin in human macrophages

► TFPI2 expression is upregulated in human macrophages by thrombin exposure. ► Thrombin induced TFPI2 expression involves cAMP, ERK1/2 and JNK pathways, leading finally to NFkB activation. ► TFPI2 induction by thrombin is independent of EGFR and COX-2, and does not involve AP-1 activation. ► In the context of atherosclerosis TFPI2 induction could represent a regulatory mechanism to avoid excessive MMP activation.