Facteur von Willebrand et maladie de Willebrand : nouvelles approches

Von Willebrand factor is a multimeric glycoprotein that plays an essential role in platelet-rich thrombi formation under high shear stress. The heterogeneity of Von Willebrand disease (VWD), a constitutional or acquired bleeding diathesis secondary to a quantitative or qualitative VWF deficiency, illustrates the complex physiology of this protein. Despite significant progresses in our comprehension of the numerous pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VWD, its diagnosis remains challenging and skill demanding in clinical practice. Besides its role in haemostasis, VWF has been recently involved with inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and cell-proliferation paving the way for new approaches towards this intriguing protein.