Bioinformatic Analysis Underpinning the Frequent Occurrence of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in COVID-19 Patients

Arthur E. Frankel, Dennis Wylie, Bjoern Peters, Daniel Marrama, Chul Ahn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Secondary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rare but serious complication of the pandemic. Diagnostic criteria include clinical and laboratory findings. Early treatment is often effective, but rare severe bleeding and death can occur. An autoimmune mechanism is likely. BObjectives: To determine a role for molecular mimicry in producing disease. BMethods: Hexapeptide and heptapeptide matches between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and platelet N-glycosylated proteins and other human proteins were assessed. BResults: Shared viral and platelet glycoprotein peptides were found. Copy frequency of these peptides in the human proteome was low for many of the candidate molecular mimics. BConclusions: The data support a contribution of molecular mimicry in COVID-19 ITP autoimmunity and offer avenues for in vitro diagnostic assay development. The continuation of the pandemic necessitates additional understanding of COVID-19 ITP as well as studies on diagnosis and mitigation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)320-326
Number of pages7
JournalIsrael Medical Association Journal
Volume24
Issue number5
StatePublished - May 1 2022

Keywords

  • autoimmune
  • coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19]
  • immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
  • molecular mimicry
  • proteomics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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