Leech Adhesion-Inhibitor Protein
Salivary protein blocking platelet adhesion to extracellular matrix components.
Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Salivary protein blocking platelet adhesion to extracellular matrix components.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
- Safety domains
- Bleeding
Clinical translation limit
Leech adhesion-inhibitor protein is documented mechanistically only; no human evidence. In vitro activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy, and no FDA-approved derivative exists.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Antiplatelet
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 15,000 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
- Discovered
- 2012
Biological Targets
- → platelet integrins
- → fibronectin-platelet adhesion
External Resources
Related Antiplatelet Compounds
Calin
Anti-platelet adhesion protein that blocks von Willebrand factor–collagen binding.
Saratin
Anti-platelet adhesion protein blocking collagen-mediated platelet activation.
Decorsin
RGD-containing peptide inhibiting platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor — eptifibatide ancestor.
Ornatin
RGD-peptide GP IIb/IIIa antagonist — sister molecule to decorsin from a different leech species.