Initiates blood coagulation by forming a complex with circulating factor VII or VIIa. The [TF:VIIa] complex activates factors IX or X by specific limited protolysis. TF plays a role in normal hemostasis by initiating the cell-surface assembly and propagation of the coagulation protease cascade.
Interacts with HSPE; the interaction, inhibited by heparin, promotes the generation of activated factor X and activates coagulation in the presence of activated factor VII.