Anti-human VWF monoclonal antibody SZ-123 prevents arterial thrombus formation by inhibiting VWF–collagen and VWF–platelet interactions in Rhesus monkeys

The interactions between collagen, von Willebrand factor (VWF), and glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) are crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis. This axis represents a promising target for the development of new antithrombotic agents. In this study, we investigate the in vivo antithrombotic efficacy of an anti-VWF monoclonal antibody SZ-123 and its potential underlying mechanisms. Cyclic flow reductions (CFRs), an indicator of arterial thrombosis, were measured in the femoral artery of anesthetized Rhesus monkeys before and after intravenous administration of SZ-123. Ex vivo VWF binding to collagen, platelet agglutination, platelet count, and template bleeding time were used as measurements of antithrombotic activity. In addition, plasma VWF and SZ-123 levels, and VWF occupancy were measured by ELISA. Administration of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/kg SZ-123 resulted in 45.3%, 78.2%, and 100% reductions in CFRs, respectively. When 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg SZ-123 were administered, 100% of VWF was occupied by the antibody. Moreover, 100% ex vivo inhibition of VWF–collagen binding and 60–95% inhibition of platelet agglutination were observed from 15 min to 1 h. None of the doses resulted in significant prolongation of bleeding time. In vitro experiments revealed that SZ-123 not only blocks the collagen–VWF A3 interaction but also indirectly inhibits VWF A1 binding to GPIbα induced by ristocetin. Thus, we demonstrate that SZ-123 prevents in vivo arterial thrombus formation under high shear conditions by inhibiting VWF A3–collagen and VWF A1–platelet interactions and does not significantly prolong bleeding time.

(A) Closed conformation of A1-A2-A3. (B) Unfolded conformation of A1-A2-A3 induced by high shear. (C). SZ-123 inhibits interaction between VWF A3 and collagen, and also induces binding of A3 to A1.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide