Unraveling the Mystery of Vaccine-Related Blood Clots: New Findings
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have identified the mechanism behind deadly blood clots in patients with Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT) following certain COVID-19 vaccinations. The study found that a protein called Platelet factor 4 (PF4) triggers the activation of platelets, leading to clotting. By blocking the receptor triggered by PF4, a drug used to treat blood cancer called ruxolitinib showed potential in protecting VITT patients from clotting. The findings contribute to understanding blood clot formation and may have implications for other related diseases. Ongoing research aims to identify patients at risk of VITT to manage potential risks in future vaccine programs.
