Lessons from vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia

Nat Rev Immunol. 2021 Dec;21(12):753-755. doi: 10.1038/s41577-021-00642-8.

Abstract

Adenoviral vector vaccines are effective against SARS-CoV-2 but have been associated with a rare side effect termed vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Here, we discuss our understanding of how vaccine-induced antibodies to platelet factor 4 (PF4) form immune complexes that activate platelets and trigger the thrombotic events seen in VITT.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / complications
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / genetics
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Platelet Activation
  • Platelet Factor 4 / immunology
  • Thrombocytopenia* / etiology
  • Thrombocytopenia* / immunology
  • Thrombosis* / etiology
  • Thrombosis* / immunology

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Platelet Factor 4