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MASPs at the crossroad between the complement and the coagulation cascades - the case for COVID-19

Valéria Bumiller-Bini1,2, Camila de Freitas Oliveira-Toré3, Tamyres Mingorance Carvalho4,2

  • 1Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Genética Molecular Humana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Genetics and Molecular Biology
|March 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Mannose-binding lectin-associated serine proteases (MASPs) link complement activation and blood coagulation in COVID-19. MASP-1 and MASP-2 may serve as biomarkers for disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Virology

Background:

  • COVID-19 is associated with complement system activation and coagulation abnormalities.
  • Mannose-binding lectin-associated serine proteases (MASPs) connect viral recognition, complement activation, and blood coagulation.
  • Genetic variations in MASP1 and MASP2 influence protein levels and function, affecting disease susceptibility and severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of MASPs in SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on their involvement in the lectin pathway and coagulation cascades.
  • To explore the association between MASP expression and COVID-19 comorbidities.
  • To propose MASPs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the roles of MASP-1 and MASP-2 in viral infections, complement activation, and coagulation.
  • Analysis of studies reporting MASP expression in COVID-19 patients and those with relevant comorbidities.
  • Evaluation of existing research on anti-MASP-2 antibodies in COVID-19.

Main Results:

  • MASPs are implicated in SARS-CoV-2 binding and activation of complement and coagulation pathways.
  • Increased MASP-1 and/or MASP-2 expression is observed in patients with COVID-19 risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and chronic diseases.
  • Positive outcomes in COVID-19 patients treated with anti-MASP-2 antibodies suggest therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • MASPs play a significant role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, linking inflammation and coagulation.
  • MASP-1 and MASP-2 are potential biomarkers for predicting COVID-19 progression.
  • Targeting MASPs, possibly with inhibitors, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.

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