3rd Canadian Symposium on Long COVID | Keynote 1: Blood Clots, Brain Inflammation, and COVID

In this powerful opening keynote, Dr. Jae Ryu explores groundbreaking research on the role of fibrin as a key molecular driver of inflammation and neuropathology in COVID-19 and Long COVID. Attendees will gain insights into how spike–fibrin interactions contribute to thromboinflammatory processes and systemic immune dysregulation, and how the innate immune system—including macrophages and microglia—shapes the progression of post-acute sequelae. Dr. Ryu also discusses the therapeutic promise of fibrin-targeting immunotherapy, highlighting its potential to mitigate lung and brain pathology following SARS-CoV-2 infection. By connecting mechanistic research to clinical outcomes, this keynote emphasizes the importance of translational science in advancing treatment strategies for the neurological and vascular complications associated with Long COVID. After attending this session, learners will be able to: 1. Recognize the emerging role of fibrin in inflammation and neuropathology. 2. Identify how spike–fibrin interactions drive thromboinflammatory and immune responses. 3. Explain innate immune mechanisms in post-acute COVID-19 sequelae. 4. Evaluate fibrin-targeting immunotherapy as a treatment avenue. 5. Assess the importance of mechanistic research in developing therapies for Long COVID.