Abstract
Several studies report elevated blood platelet activation and altered platelet count in COVID-19 patients, but the role of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in this process remains intriguing. Additionally, there is no data that anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAb) may attenuate spike protein activity toward blood platelets. Our results indicate that under in vitro conditions, the spike protein increased the collagen-stimulated aggregation of isolated platelets and induced the binding of vWF to platelets in ristocetin-treated blood. The spike protein also significantly reduced collagen- or ADP-induced aggregation or decreased GPIIbIIIa (fibrinogen receptor) activation in whole blood, depending on the presence of the anti-spike protein nAb. Our findings suggest that studies on platelet activation/reactivity in COVID-19 patients or in donors vaccinated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 and/or previously-infected COVID-19 should be supported by measurements of spike protein and IgG anti-spike protein antibody concentrations in blood.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
