The coagulation system does not only offer protection against bleeding, but also aids in our
defense against invading microorganisms. The hemostatic system and innate immunity are
strongly entangled, which explains why so many infections are complicated by either
bleeding or thrombosis. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), currently the most deadly
infectious agent in the developed world, causes devastating intravascular infections such as
sepsis and infective endocarditis. During these infections S. aureus comes in close contact …