Thrombotic thrombocytopenia associated with covid-19 infection or vaccination: Possible paths to platelet factor 4 autoimmunity

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenia mimicking heparin-induced thrombocytopenia has been observed in patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19AU : Pleasenotethat COVID ) or after immunisation with adenoviral vector-based vaccines against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Herein, we discuss the pathogenesis of the autoimmune response to platelet factor 4 (PF4) that underlies these disorders.