Vascular occlusion by neutrophil extracellular traps in COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be complicated by severe organ damage leading to dysfunction of the lungs and other organs. The processes that trigger organ damage in COVID-19 are incompletely understood.

Methods

Samples were donated from hospitalized patients. Sera, plasma, and autopsy-derived tissue sections were examined employing flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and immunohistochemistry.

Patient findings

Here, we show that severe COVID-19 is characterized by a highly pronounced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) inside the micro-vessels. Intravascular aggregation of NETs leads to rapid occlusion of the affected vessels, disturbed microcirculation, and organ damage. In severe COVID-19, neutrophil granulocytes are strongly activated and adopt a so-called low-density phenotype, prone to spontaneously form NETs. In accordance, markers indicating NET turnover are consistently increased in COVID-19 and linked to disease severity. Histopathology of the lungs and other organs from COVID-19 patients showed congestions of numerous micro-vessels by aggregated NETs associated with endothelial damage.

Interpretation

These data suggest that organ dysfunction in severe COVID-19 is associated with excessive NET formation and vascular damage.

Funding

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), EU, Volkswagen-Stiftung.

SUBMITTER: Leppkes M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7397705 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature