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Fig. 12 | BMC Genomic Data

Fig. 12

From: Analysis of transcriptomic data sets supports the role of IL-6 in NETosis and immunothrombosis in severe COVID-19

Fig. 12

A simple model with IL-6, complement factors, NETosis, and Coagulation leading to immunothrombosis. IL-6 induces expression of C3 and CFB leading to complement activation. C3 engages complement receptors (CR1, CR3) on neutrophils and activates formation of NET [18]. The components of NET activate platelets which secrete HMGB1, inducing coagulation. Negatively charged NETs can bind and activate circulating glycoprotein FXII (a zymogen produced by liver) that induce coagulation. Plasmin cleaves C5 to active C5a which in turn activates Neutrophil by binding via C5R [18]. Activated platelets engage with activated neutrophils through binding of P-selectin to PSGL-1 [18]. NETosis, complement activation and coagulation are functionally interrelated and together produce immune-thrombosis. As the blood vessels in the lungs are clogged, it leads to acute respiratory distress and high mortality

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