Persistent immune abnormalities discriminate post-COVID syndrome from convalescence

Sbierski-Kind, Julia; Schlickeiser, Stephan; Feldmann, Svenja; Ober, Veronica; Grüner, Eva; Pleimelding, Claire; Gilberg, Leonard; Brand, Isabel; Weigl, Nikolas; Ahmed, Mohamed I. M.; Ibarra, Gerardo; Ruzicka, Michael ; Benesch, Christopher; Pernpruner, Anna; Valdinoci, Elisabeth; Hoelscher, Michael ; Adorjan, Kristina ; Stubbe, Hans Christian ; Pritsch, Michael; Seybold, Ulrich und Roider, Julia (2024): Persistent immune abnormalities discriminate post-COVID syndrome from convalescence. In: Infection, Vol. 52: pp. 1087-1097

Abstract

Background : Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are key organizers of tissue immune responses and regulate tissue development, repair, and pathology. Persistent clinical sequelae beyond 12 weeks following acute COVID-19 disease, named post-COVID syndrome (PCS), are increasingly recognized in convalescent individuals. ILCs have been associated with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms but their role in the development of PCS remains poorly defined.

Methods and results : Here, we used multiparametric immune phenotyping, finding expanded circulating ILC precursors (ILCPs) and concurrent decreased group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in PCS patients compared to well-matched convalescent control groups at > 3 months after infection or healthy controls. Patients with PCS showed elevated expression of chemokines and cytokines associated with trafficking of immune cells (CCL19/MIP-3b, FLT3-ligand), endothelial inflammation and repair (CXCL1, EGF, RANTES, IL-1RA, PDGF-AA).

Conclusion : These results define immunological parameters associated with PCS and might help find biomarkers and disease-relevant therapeutic strategies.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine > Max von Pettenkofer-Institute; Medicine > Medical Center of the University of Munich > Medical Clinic and Outpatient Clinic II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology); Medicine > Medical Center of the University of Munich > Medical Clinic and Outpatient Clinic III (Oncology); Medicine > Medical Center of the University of Munich > Medical Clinic and Outpatient Clinic IV (Endocrinology, nephrology, other sections); Medicine > Medical Center of the University of Munich > Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine; Medicine > Medical Center of the University of Munich > Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 0300-8126
• Language: English