Enhanced blood clotting complicating COVID-19: can an ancient protein help to control the fire?

What is it about?

Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noted that enhanced blood clotting (thrombosis or embolism) frequently occurs as complication in severely ill patients, and may contribute to a bad prognosis. This complex disorder involves an intense inflammatory response and a strong stimulation of blood clotting, and was named therefore “thromboinflammation”. The natural protein α2-macroglobulin (α2-M) has been conserved over 500 million years in the evolution, and is found in many species including humans. This unique ancient and “versatile” protein contributes particularly during childhood to the control of clotting, thus preventing thrombosis in certain genetic disorders. It is capable by a unique mechanism to modulate a number of biological systems, which are thought to be involved in COVID-19 thromboinflammation. The authors suggest that the role of α2-M in COVID-19 should be further elucidated.

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Photo by Emin BAYCAN on Unsplash

Photo by Emin BAYCAN on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Severe COVID-19 can trigger exaggerated blood clotting, and this activation of the blood coagulation system can fuel inflammation. To understand this vitious cycle and to identify potentially protective factors would help to combat this serious disease