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Editorial
. 2023 Aug 8;7(15):4197-4199.
doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010201.

Peripheral megakaryocytes sound the alarm in COVID-19

Affiliations
Editorial

Peripheral megakaryocytes sound the alarm in COVID-19

Eric Boilard et al. Blood Adv. .
No abstract available

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest disclosure: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Figures

None
Circulating SARS-CoV-2+ megakaryocytes associate with severe viral infection in COVID-19. A subpopulation of proinflammatory megakaryocytes (MK) is identified in the peripheral blood of patients with COVID-19 with severe manifestations. These cells contain calprotectin heterodimers (S100A8/A9), present interferon response and inflammatory cytokines signatures, and are activated. SARS-CoV-2 can be found in megakaryocytes. SARS-CoV-2 protein and RNA (a whole virus is illustrated, although the presence of actual virions in circulating megakaryocytes is hypothetical and is not shown in this study). The number of SARS-CoV-2-containing megakaryocytes strongly correlates with risk factors such as mortality and multiorgan injury. A combination of experimental approaches is needed to confirm the presence of megakaryocytes. Professional illustration by ScEYEnce Studios.

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References

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