Increase of mast cells in COVID-19 pneumonia may contribute to pulmonary fibrosis and thrombosis.
Leonoor V WismansBoaz V LopuhaäWillem de KoningHazra MoeniralamMatthijs van OosterhoutCarmen AmbarusFrederik N HofmanThijs KuikenHenrik EndemanDana A M MustafaJan H von der ThüsenPublished in: Histopathology (2022)
Two separate means of measuring show a significant increase of mast cells in SARS-CoV-2-infected lung tissue compared to influenza. Additionally, several genes involved in fibrosis and thrombosis, among which are RAGE and PPBP, are up-regulated in COVID-19. As mast cells are able to induce thrombosis and fibrosis, they may play an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.