Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 3/2021

01-04-2021 | Coronavirus

Coagulopathy, endothelial dysfunction, thrombotic microangiopathy and complement activation: potential role of complement system inhibition in COVID-19

Authors: Xin Wang, Kamal Kant Sahu, Jan Cerny

Published in: Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis | Issue 3/2021

Login to get access

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving health crisis caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is a novel disease entity and we are in a learning phase with regards to the pathogenesis, disease manifestations, and therapeutics. In addition to the primary lung injury, many patients especially the ones with moderate to severe COVID-19 display evidence of endothelial damage, complement activation, which leads to a pro-coagulable state. While there are still missing links in our understanding, the interplay of endothelium, complement system activation, and immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a surprisingly major factor in COVID-19 pathogenesis. One could envision COVID-19 becoming a novel hematological syndrome. This review is to discuss the available literature with regards to the involvement of the complement system, and coagulation cascade and their interaction with endothelium.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Sahu KK, Kumar R (2020) Current perspective on pandemic of COVID-19 in the United States. J Family Med Prim Care 9(4):1784–1791PubMedPubMedCentral Sahu KK, Kumar R (2020) Current perspective on pandemic of COVID-19 in the United States. J Family Med Prim Care 9(4):1784–1791PubMedPubMedCentral
2.
go back to reference Chen N, Zhou M, Dong X, Qu J, Gong F, Han Y et al (2020) Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, Chine: a descriptive study. Lancet 395:507–513PubMedPubMedCentral Chen N, Zhou M, Dong X, Qu J, Gong F, Han Y et al (2020) Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, Chine: a descriptive study. Lancet 395:507–513PubMedPubMedCentral
3.
go back to reference Wang D, Hu B, Hu C, Zhu F, Liu X, Zhang J et al (2020) Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan, China. JAMA 323(11):1061–1069PubMedPubMedCentral Wang D, Hu B, Hu C, Zhu F, Liu X, Zhang J et al (2020) Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan, China. JAMA 323(11):1061–1069PubMedPubMedCentral
4.
go back to reference Zhou F, Yu T, Du R, Fan G, Liu Y, Liu Z et al (2020) Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan China: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet 395:1054–1062PubMedPubMedCentral Zhou F, Yu T, Du R, Fan G, Liu Y, Liu Z et al (2020) Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan China: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet 395:1054–1062PubMedPubMedCentral
5.
go back to reference Helms J, Tacquar C, Severac F, Leonard-Lorant I, Ohana M, Delabranche X et al (2020) High risk of thrombosis in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter prospective cohort study. Intensive Care Med 46:1089–1098PubMedPubMedCentral Helms J, Tacquar C, Severac F, Leonard-Lorant I, Ohana M, Delabranche X et al (2020) High risk of thrombosis in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter prospective cohort study. Intensive Care Med 46:1089–1098PubMedPubMedCentral
7.
go back to reference Helms J, Tacquard C, Severac F, Leonard-Lorant I, Ohana M, Delabranche X et al (2020) High risk of thrombosis in patients in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter prospective cohort study. Intensive Care Med 4:1–10 Helms J, Tacquard C, Severac F, Leonard-Lorant I, Ohana M, Delabranche X et al (2020) High risk of thrombosis in patients in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter prospective cohort study. Intensive Care Med 4:1–10
8.
go back to reference Sahu KK, Siddiqui AD (2020) From hematologist’s desk: the effect of COVID-19 on the blood system. Am J Hematol 95(8):E213–E215PubMed Sahu KK, Siddiqui AD (2020) From hematologist’s desk: the effect of COVID-19 on the blood system. Am J Hematol 95(8):E213–E215PubMed
9.
go back to reference Sahu KK, Law AD, Kumar G, Dhir V, Naseem S, Nada R, Varma SC, Malhotra P (2016) Unusual cause of tophi with renal thrombotic microangiopathy. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 32(Suppl 1):100–103PubMed Sahu KK, Law AD, Kumar G, Dhir V, Naseem S, Nada R, Varma SC, Malhotra P (2016) Unusual cause of tophi with renal thrombotic microangiopathy. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 32(Suppl 1):100–103PubMed
10.
go back to reference Connors JM, Levy JH (2020) COVID-19 and its implications for thrombosis and anticoagulation. Blood 135(23):2033–2040PubMed Connors JM, Levy JH (2020) COVID-19 and its implications for thrombosis and anticoagulation. Blood 135(23):2033–2040PubMed
11.
go back to reference Butenas S, Orfeo T, Mann KG (2009) Tissue factor in coagulation: Which? Where? When? Arterioscler Thromb Vac Biol 29(12):1989–1996 Butenas S, Orfeo T, Mann KG (2009) Tissue factor in coagulation: Which? Where? When? Arterioscler Thromb Vac Biol 29(12):1989–1996
12.
go back to reference Foley JH, Conway EM (2016) Cross talk pathways between coagulation and inflammation. Circ Res 118:1392–1408PubMed Foley JH, Conway EM (2016) Cross talk pathways between coagulation and inflammation. Circ Res 118:1392–1408PubMed
13.
go back to reference Taylor FB, Toh CH, Hoots WK, Wada H, Levi M et al (2001) Towards definition, clinical and laboratory criteria, and a scoring system for disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromb Haemost 86:1327–1330PubMed Taylor FB, Toh CH, Hoots WK, Wada H, Levi M et al (2001) Towards definition, clinical and laboratory criteria, and a scoring system for disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromb Haemost 86:1327–1330PubMed
14.
go back to reference Iba T, Levy JH, Warkentin TE, Thachil J, van der Poll T, Levi M et al (2019) Diagnosis and management of sepsis-induced coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation. J Thromb Heemost 17:1989–1994 Iba T, Levy JH, Warkentin TE, Thachil J, van der Poll T, Levi M et al (2019) Diagnosis and management of sepsis-induced coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation. J Thromb Heemost 17:1989–1994
15.
go back to reference Levi M, Thachil J, Iba T, Levy JH (2020) Coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis in patients with COVID-19. Lancet Haematol 7(6):e438–e440PubMedPubMedCentral Levi M, Thachil J, Iba T, Levy JH (2020) Coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis in patients with COVID-19. Lancet Haematol 7(6):e438–e440PubMedPubMedCentral
16.
go back to reference Taylor FB, Toh CH, Hoots WK, Wada H, Levi M (2001) Scientific Subcommittee on Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). Towards definition, clinical and laboratory criteria, and a scoring system for disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromb Haemost 86(5):1327–1330PubMed Taylor FB, Toh CH, Hoots WK, Wada H, Levi M (2001) Scientific Subcommittee on Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). Towards definition, clinical and laboratory criteria, and a scoring system for disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromb Haemost 86(5):1327–1330PubMed
17.
go back to reference Huang C, Wang Y, Li X et al (2020) Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan. China Lancet 395:497–506PubMed Huang C, Wang Y, Li X et al (2020) Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan. China Lancet 395:497–506PubMed
18.
go back to reference Lin L, Lu L, Cao W, Li T (2020) Hypothesis for potential pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection—a review of immune changes in patients with viral pneumonia. Emerg Microbes Infect 9(1):727–732PubMedPubMedCentral Lin L, Lu L, Cao W, Li T (2020) Hypothesis for potential pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection—a review of immune changes in patients with viral pneumonia. Emerg Microbes Infect 9(1):727–732PubMedPubMedCentral
19.
go back to reference Varga Z, Flammer AJ, Steiger P, Haberecker M, Andermatt R, Zinkernagel AS et al (2020) Endothelial cell infection and endotheliitis in COVID-19. Lancet Lond Engl 395(10234):1417–1418 Varga Z, Flammer AJ, Steiger P, Haberecker M, Andermatt R, Zinkernagel AS et al (2020) Endothelial cell infection and endotheliitis in COVID-19. Lancet Lond Engl 395(10234):1417–1418
20.
go back to reference Monteil V, Kwon H, Prado P, Hagelkrüys A, Wimmer RA, Stahl M et al (2020) Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infections in engineered human tissues using clinical-grade soluble human ACE2. Cell 181(4):905–913PubMedPubMedCentral Monteil V, Kwon H, Prado P, Hagelkrüys A, Wimmer RA, Stahl M et al (2020) Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infections in engineered human tissues using clinical-grade soluble human ACE2. Cell 181(4):905–913PubMedPubMedCentral
21.
go back to reference Ackermann M, Verleden SE, Kuehnel M, Haverich A, Welte T, Laenger F et al (2020) Pulmonary vascular endothelialitis, thrombosis, and angiogenesis in Covid-19. N Engl J Med. 383:120–128PubMedPubMedCentral Ackermann M, Verleden SE, Kuehnel M, Haverich A, Welte T, Laenger F et al (2020) Pulmonary vascular endothelialitis, thrombosis, and angiogenesis in Covid-19. N Engl J Med. 383:120–128PubMedPubMedCentral
22.
go back to reference Bonetti PO, Lerman LO, Lerman A (2003) Endothelial dysfunction: a marker of atherosclerotic risk. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 23(2):168–175PubMed Bonetti PO, Lerman LO, Lerman A (2003) Endothelial dysfunction: a marker of atherosclerotic risk. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 23(2):168–175PubMed
23.
go back to reference Ghirga G (2020) Pre-existing endothelial dysfunction:*m a unifying hypothesis for the burden of severe SARS-CoV-2. BMJ 368:m627 Ghirga G (2020) Pre-existing endothelial dysfunction:*m a unifying hypothesis for the burden of severe SARS-CoV-2. BMJ 368:m627
24.
go back to reference Mishra AK, Lal A, Sahu KK, Sargent J (2020) Cardiovascular factors predicting poor outcome in COVID—19 patients. Cardiovasc Pathol 49:107246PubMedPubMedCentral Mishra AK, Lal A, Sahu KK, Sargent J (2020) Cardiovascular factors predicting poor outcome in COVID—19 patients. Cardiovasc Pathol 49:107246PubMedPubMedCentral
25.
go back to reference Campbell CM, Kahwash R (2020) Will complement inhibition be the new target in treating COVID-19 related systemic thrombosis. Circulation 141:1739–1741PubMed Campbell CM, Kahwash R (2020) Will complement inhibition be the new target in treating COVID-19 related systemic thrombosis. Circulation 141:1739–1741PubMed
26.
go back to reference Huang C, Wang Y, Li X, Ren L, Zhao J, Hu Y et al (2020) Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan. China Lancet Lond Engl 395(10223):497–506 Huang C, Wang Y, Li X, Ren L, Zhao J, Hu Y et al (2020) Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan. China Lancet Lond Engl 395(10223):497–506
30.
go back to reference Haines HL, Laskin BL, Goebel J, Davies SM, Yin HJ, Lawrence J et al (2011) Blood, and not urine, BK viral load predicts renal outcome in children with hemorrhagic cystitis following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 17:1512–1519PubMed Haines HL, Laskin BL, Goebel J, Davies SM, Yin HJ, Lawrence J et al (2011) Blood, and not urine, BK viral load predicts renal outcome in children with hemorrhagic cystitis following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 17:1512–1519PubMed
31.
go back to reference Martinelli N, Montagnana M, Pizzolo F et al (2020) A relative ADAMTS13 deficiency supports the presence of microangiopathy in COVID-19. Thromb Res 193:170–172PubMedPubMedCentral Martinelli N, Montagnana M, Pizzolo F et al (2020) A relative ADAMTS13 deficiency supports the presence of microangiopathy in COVID-19. Thromb Res 193:170–172PubMedPubMedCentral
33.
go back to reference Rovina N, Akinosoglou K, Eugen-Olsen J et al (2020) Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as an early predictor of severe respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Crit Care 24:187PubMedPubMedCentral Rovina N, Akinosoglou K, Eugen-Olsen J et al (2020) Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as an early predictor of severe respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Crit Care 24:187PubMedPubMedCentral
34.
go back to reference Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J et al (2002) Molecular biology of the cell, 4th edn. Garland Science, New York Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J et al (2002) Molecular biology of the cell, 4th edn. Garland Science, New York
36.
go back to reference Sahu KK, Mishra AK, Lal A (2020) COIVD-19 disease: tackling a pandemic in 21st century. QJM 113(7):519–520PubMed Sahu KK, Mishra AK, Lal A (2020) COIVD-19 disease: tackling a pandemic in 21st century. QJM 113(7):519–520PubMed
38.
go back to reference Lal A, Mishra AK, Sahu KK (2020) CT chest findings in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). J Formos Med Assoc 119(5):1000–1001PubMedPubMedCentral Lal A, Mishra AK, Sahu KK (2020) CT chest findings in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). J Formos Med Assoc 119(5):1000–1001PubMedPubMedCentral
39.
go back to reference Jiang Y, Zhao G, Song N, Li P, Chen Y, Guo Y et al (2018) Blockade of the C5a–C5aR axis alleviates lung damage in hDPP4-transgenic mice infected with MERS-CoV. Emerg Microbes Infect 7(1):77PubMedPubMedCentral Jiang Y, Zhao G, Song N, Li P, Chen Y, Guo Y et al (2018) Blockade of the C5a–C5aR axis alleviates lung damage in hDPP4-transgenic mice infected with MERS-CoV. Emerg Microbes Infect 7(1):77PubMedPubMedCentral
40.
go back to reference Gralinski LE, Sheahan TP, Morrison TE, Menachery VD, Jensen K, Leist SR et al (2018) Complement activation contributes to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pathogenesis. mBio 9(5):e01753PubMedPubMedCentral Gralinski LE, Sheahan TP, Morrison TE, Menachery VD, Jensen K, Leist SR et al (2018) Complement activation contributes to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pathogenesis. mBio 9(5):e01753PubMedPubMedCentral
41.
go back to reference Magro C, Mulvey JJ, Berlin D, Nuovo G, Salvatore S, Harp J et al (2020) Complement associated microvascular injury and thrombosis in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 infection: a report of five cases. Transl Res 220:1–13PubMedPubMedCentral Magro C, Mulvey JJ, Berlin D, Nuovo G, Salvatore S, Harp J et al (2020) Complement associated microvascular injury and thrombosis in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 infection: a report of five cases. Transl Res 220:1–13PubMedPubMedCentral
42.
go back to reference Lam LM, Murphy SJ, Kuri-Cervantes L, Weisman AR, Ittner CAG, Reilly JP et al (2020) Erythrocytes reveal complement activation in patients with COVID-19. MedRxiv Prepr Serv Health Sci Lam LM, Murphy SJ, Kuri-Cervantes L, Weisman AR, Ittner CAG, Reilly JP et al (2020) Erythrocytes reveal complement activation in patients with COVID-19. MedRxiv Prepr Serv Health Sci
44.
go back to reference Lopez C, Kim J, Pandey A, Huang T, DeLoughery TG (2020) Simultaneous onset of COVID-19 and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Br J Haematol 190:31–32PubMed Lopez C, Kim J, Pandey A, Huang T, DeLoughery TG (2020) Simultaneous onset of COVID-19 and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Br J Haematol 190:31–32PubMed
46.
go back to reference Jodele S, Davies SM, Lane A, Khoury J, Dandoy C, Goebel J et al (2014) Diagnostic and risk criteria for HSCT-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: a study in children and young adults. Blood 124(4):645–653PubMedPubMedCentral Jodele S, Davies SM, Lane A, Khoury J, Dandoy C, Goebel J et al (2014) Diagnostic and risk criteria for HSCT-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: a study in children and young adults. Blood 124(4):645–653PubMedPubMedCentral
47.
go back to reference Zhang Y, Xiao M, Zhang S, Xia P, Cao W, Jiang W et al (2020) Coagulopathy and antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with Covid-19. N Engl J Med 382(17):e38PubMed Zhang Y, Xiao M, Zhang S, Xia P, Cao W, Jiang W et al (2020) Coagulopathy and antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with Covid-19. N Engl J Med 382(17):e38PubMed
49.
go back to reference Totura AL, Whitmore A, Agnihothram S, Schäfer A, Katze MG, Heise MT et al (2015) Toll-like receptor 3 signaling via TRIF contributes to a protective innate immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection. mBio 6:e00638-15PubMedPubMedCentral Totura AL, Whitmore A, Agnihothram S, Schäfer A, Katze MG, Heise MT et al (2015) Toll-like receptor 3 signaling via TRIF contributes to a protective innate immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection. mBio 6:e00638-15PubMedPubMedCentral
51.
go back to reference Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD (2016) More than complementing Tolls: complement-Toll-like receptor synergy and crosstalk in innate immunity and inflammation. Immunol Rev 274(1):233–244PubMedPubMedCentral Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD (2016) More than complementing Tolls: complement-Toll-like receptor synergy and crosstalk in innate immunity and inflammation. Immunol Rev 274(1):233–244PubMedPubMedCentral
53.
go back to reference Sahu KK, Mishra AK, Martin K, Chastain I (2020) COVID-19 and clinical mimics. Correct diagnosis is the key to appropriate therapy. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis Arch Monaldi Mal Torace 90(2):1296 Sahu KK, Mishra AK, Martin K, Chastain I (2020) COVID-19 and clinical mimics. Correct diagnosis is the key to appropriate therapy. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis Arch Monaldi Mal Torace 90(2):1296
54.
55.
go back to reference Beigel JH, Tomashek KM, Dodd LE, Mehta AK, Zingman BS, Kalil AC et al (2020) Remdesivir for the treatment of covid-19—preliminary report. N Engl J Med 383:992–994 Beigel JH, Tomashek KM, Dodd LE, Mehta AK, Zingman BS, Kalil AC et al (2020) Remdesivir for the treatment of covid-19—preliminary report. N Engl J Med 383:992–994
56.
go back to reference Diurno F, Numis FG, Porta G, Cirillo F, Maddaluno S, Ragozzino A et al (2020) Eculizumab treatment in patients with COVID-19: preliminary results from real life ASL Napoli 2 Nord experience. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 24(7):4040–4047PubMed Diurno F, Numis FG, Porta G, Cirillo F, Maddaluno S, Ragozzino A et al (2020) Eculizumab treatment in patients with COVID-19: preliminary results from real life ASL Napoli 2 Nord experience. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 24(7):4040–4047PubMed
57.
go back to reference Risitano AM, Mastellos DC, Huber-Lang M, Yancopoulou D, Garlanda C, Ciceri F et al (2020) Complement as a target in COVID-19? Nat Rev Immunol 20(6):343–344PubMed Risitano AM, Mastellos DC, Huber-Lang M, Yancopoulou D, Garlanda C, Ciceri F et al (2020) Complement as a target in COVID-19? Nat Rev Immunol 20(6):343–344PubMed
58.
go back to reference Mastellos DC, Ricklin D, Lambris JD (2019) Clinical promise of next-generation complement therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 18(9):707–729PubMedPubMedCentral Mastellos DC, Ricklin D, Lambris JD (2019) Clinical promise of next-generation complement therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 18(9):707–729PubMedPubMedCentral
59.
go back to reference Shi Y, Wang Y, Shao C, Huang J, Gan J, Huang X et al (2020) COVID-19 infection: the perspectives on immune responses. Cell Death Differ 27:1451–1454PubMedPubMedCentral Shi Y, Wang Y, Shao C, Huang J, Gan J, Huang X et al (2020) COVID-19 infection: the perspectives on immune responses. Cell Death Differ 27:1451–1454PubMedPubMedCentral
60.
go back to reference Mastaglio S, Ruggeri A, Risitano AM, Angelillo P, Yancopoulou D, Mastellos DC et al (2020) The first case of COVID-19 treated with the complement C3 inhibitor AMY-101. Clin Immunol Orlando Fla 215:108450 Mastaglio S, Ruggeri A, Risitano AM, Angelillo P, Yancopoulou D, Mastellos DC et al (2020) The first case of COVID-19 treated with the complement C3 inhibitor AMY-101. Clin Immunol Orlando Fla 215:108450
61.
go back to reference Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD (2016) More than complementing Tolls: Complement-toll-like receptor synergy and crosstalk in innate immunity and inflammation. Immunol Rev 271(1):233–244 Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD (2016) More than complementing Tolls: Complement-toll-like receptor synergy and crosstalk in innate immunity and inflammation. Immunol Rev 271(1):233–244
Metadata
Title
Coagulopathy, endothelial dysfunction, thrombotic microangiopathy and complement activation: potential role of complement system inhibition in COVID-19
Authors
Xin Wang
Kamal Kant Sahu
Jan Cerny
Publication date
01-04-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0929-5305
Electronic ISSN: 1573-742X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11239-020-02297-z

Other articles of this Issue 3/2021

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 3/2021 Go to the issue