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Intravital Microscopy of Leukocyte-endothelial and Platelet-leukocyte Interactions in Mesenterial Veins in Mice
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Investigating the Interplay of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and Peripheral Inflammation in Platelet Dysfunction During Acute
Mariangela Scavone1, Roberta Rovito2, Claudia Ghali1
1Division of General Medicine II, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Pathogens & Immunity
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Systemic inflammation, not SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia, is linked to platelet dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. This study found higher inflammatory markers correlated with reduced platelet granule content, indicating inflammation drives platelet activation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Degranulated platelets are observed in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, correlating with COVID-19 complications.
- Previous research focused on platelet characterization; this study investigates determinants of platelet activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia, systemic inflammation, and platelet dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
- To identify potential drivers of platelet activation in a distinct patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Stratified 75 COVID-19 patients into normal (COVδ-norm) and low (COVδ-low) platelet δ-granule content groups.
- Quantified plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia, cytokines, and chemokines.
- Measured platelet activation markers via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- COVδ-low patients exhibited significantly higher chemokine and cytokine levels compared to COVδ-norm patients.
- Strong correlations found between IL-6, GM-CSF, and platelet degranulation parameters.
- Similar trends observed when stratifying by platelet activation phenotype.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral inflammation, not SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia, is associated with platelet dysfunction in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Inflammatory mediators likely play a key role in COVID-19-related platelet activation and dysfunction.
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