Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with stroke during COVID-19: A role in the signaling pathway leading to platelet activation

Front Immunol. 2023 Mar 2:14:1129201. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129201. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: Several viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19, may lead to both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Previously, it has been demonstrated an "in vitro" pathogenic effect of "antiphospholipid" antibodies (aPLs), which are able to activate a proinflammatory and procoagulant phenotype in monocytes, endothelial cells and platelets. This study analyzed the occurrence of aPL IgG in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during COVID-19, evaluating the effect of Ig fractions from these patients on signaling and functional activation of platelets.

Materials and methods: Sera from 10 patients with AIS during COVID-19, 10 non-COVID-19 stroke patients, 20 COVID-19 and 30 healthy donors (HD) were analyzed for anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2-GPI, anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin and anti-vimentin/CL antibodies by ELISA. Platelets from healthy donors were incubated with Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG and analyzed for phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 by western blot. Platelet secretion by ATP release dosage was also evaluated.

Results: We demonstrated the presence of aPLs IgG in sera of patients with AIS during COVID-19. Treatment with the Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG induced a significant increase of phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 expression. In the same vein, platelet activation was supported by the increase of adenyl nucleotides release induced by Ig fractions.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the presence of aPLs in a subgroup of COVID-19 patients who presented AIS, suggesting a role in the mechanisms contributing to hypercoagulable state in these patients. Detecting these antibodies as a serological marker to check and monitor COVID-19 may contribute to improve the risk stratification of thromboembolic manifestations in these patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04844632.

Keywords: COVID-19; antiphospholipid antibodies; stroke.; thrombosis; β2-GPI.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome*
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Ischemic Stroke*
  • Platelet Activation
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stroke* / complications
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I
  • Immunoglobulin G

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04844632