Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on retrieved thrombi from COVID-19 patients

J Hematol Oncol. 2022 Aug 16;15(1):108. doi: 10.1186/s13045-022-01329-w.

Abstract

The pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy is complex and not fully understood. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) may activate platelets and interact with fibrin(ogen). We aimed to investigate whether isolated SP can be present in clots retrieved in COVID-19 patients with acute ischemic stroke (by mechanical thrombectomy) and myocardial infarction. In this pilot study, we could detect SP, but not nucleocapsid protein, on platelets of COVID-19 patients' thrombi. In addition, in all three COVID-19 thrombi analyzed for molecular biology, no SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. These data could support the hypothesis that free SP, besides the whole virus, may be the trigger of platelet activation and clot formation in COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Stroke*
  • Pilot Projects
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Thrombosis* / etiology
  • Thrombosis* / metabolism

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2