VWF and infection: The infection of the ECs by SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for a massive endothelial pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory form of cell apoptosis (333, 341), associated with the disruption of the glycocalyx, the exposure of the basement membrane and activation of pro-coagulant factors (e.g., P-selectin, von Willebrand factor, leukocyte adhesion molecules and fibrinogen) (342).