Platelet Dysregulation in the Pathobiology of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Patients with severe disease present with hyperinflammation which can affect multiple organs which often include observations of microvascular and macrovascular thrombi. COVID-19 is increasingly recognized as a thromboinflammatory disease where alterations of both coagulation and platelets are closely linked to mortality and clinical outcomes. Although platelets are most well known as central mediators of hemostasis, they possess chemotactic molecules, cytokines, and adhesion molecules that are now appreciated as playing an important role in the regulation of immune response. This review summarizes the current knowledge of platelet alterations observed in the context of COVID-19 and their impact upon disease pathobiology.

Automated summary

COVID-19 is increasingly recognized as a disease involving both thrombosis and inflammation, with severe cases showing hyperinflammation affecting multiple organs, especially with observations of thrombi in the vasculature. Platelets, traditionally known for their role in hemostasis, are now understood to play a crucial role in regulating immune response, which has significant implications for the pathobiology of COVID-19.