Hematopoietic responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) maintain regulated hematopoiesis and host defense.
• Infections and inflammatory mediators significantly impact HSPCs.
• COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a systemic disease affecting the hematopoietic system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key pathways controlling hematopoiesis during infection.
• To summarize evidence on how SARS-CoV-2 impacts hematopoiesis.
• To discuss the functional consequences of SARS-CoV-2-induced hematopoietic alterations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of infectious and inflammatory processes affecting hematopoiesis.
• Comprehensive summary of recent evidence on SARS-CoV-2 and hematopoiesis.
• Analysis of SARS-CoV-2's impact on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs).

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection causes lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and thrombocytopenia.
• Severe COVID-19 is associated with thrombocytopenia and hypercoagulability.
• SARS-CoV-2 invades erythroid precursors, potentially explaining hypoxia.
• Hematopoiesis shifts from steady-state to stress response, favoring myeloid over lymphoid cells.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly disrupts normal hematopoiesis.
• The virus induces a stress hematopoiesis response with distinct cellular changes.
• Understanding these impacts is crucial for managing COVID-19 patients.