SARS-CoV-2 RBD and Its Variants Can Induce Platelet Activation and Clearance: Implications for Antibody Therapy and Vaccinations against COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus is an ongoing global health burden. Severe cases of COVID-19 and the rare cases of COVID-19 vaccine-induced-thrombotic-thrombocytopenia (VITT) are both associated with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia; however, the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Both infection and vaccination utilize the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. We found that intravenous injection of recombinant RBD caused significant platelet clearance in mice. Further investigation revealed the RBD could bind platelets, cause platelet activation, and potentiate platelet aggregation, which was exacerbated in the Delta and Kappa variants. The RBD-platelet interaction was partially dependent on the β3 integrin as binding was significantl

SUBMITTER: Ma X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10202384 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature