SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia: A comprehensive review, release 2 (immunologic perspective)

Thromboembolism remains an extremely rare side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, and the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 continue to outweigh the risks of side effects. The scientific community should have confidence in the safety of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines when considering solutions to unwanted side effects. This study explores the intricate immunological pathways associated with vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), focusing on the COVID-19 vaccine. The development of VITT is linked to thrombosis, where viral proteins and free DNA in the vaccine bind to platelet factor 4, generating a neo-antigen that induces the production of antibodies promoting platelet activation and clotting. The study sheds light on the complex immunological responses contributing to VITT and its distinction from related syndromes.