SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response in COVID-19 convalescent patients with and without lung sequelae

Abstract

Patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 may develop pneumonia (COVID19) and require hospital admission and, eventually, critical care [1]. This has been related with a weaker innate immune response with impaired production of type I interferons [2]. In this setting, an antigen specific T-cell response is needed for the elimination of SARS-CoV-2, as well as to develop long-lasting memory to respond to potential future SARS-CoV-2 infections [3, 4]. However, this response needs to be contained once the virus is eradicated to avoid further damaging the host.

Persistence of a SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response in patients with long COVID and lung sequelae after COVID-19

“…In a previous study on convalescent COVID-19 patients studied at the short term (6 months after hospital discharge) with pulmonary sequelae, we reported the persistence of a virus-specific T-cell response [ 13 ]. Whether this is also associated with long COVID and pulmonary sequelae at a later stage (12 months after discharge) or with the change in the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide ( D LCO ) from 6 to 12 months, has not been explored so far.…”

“…In this study we used the same methodology described in our previous study at 6 months [ 13 ]. Briefly, we used flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to quantify different CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocyte subpopulations at 12 months.…”