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Rodríguez-Hernández MÁ, Baena-Bustos M, Carneros D, Zurita-Palomo C, Muñoz-Pinillos P, Millán J, Padillo FJ, Smerdou C, von Kobbe C, Rose-John S, Bustos M. Targeting IL-6 trans-signalling by sgp130Fc attenuates severity in SARS-CoV-2 -infected mice and reduces endotheliopathy. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105132. [PMID: 38677182 PMCID: PMC11061249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered as a relapsing inflammatory process with a dysregulation of IL-6 signalling. Classic IL-6 signalling is thought to represent a defence mechanism against pathogens. In contrast, IL-6 trans-signalling has pro-inflammatory effects. In severe COVID-19, therapeutic strategies have focused on global inhibition of IL-6, with controversial results. We hypothesized that specific blockade of IL-6 trans-signalling could inhibit inflammatory response preserving the host defence activity inherent to IL-6 classic signalling. METHODS To test the role of the specific IL-6 trans-signalling inhibition by sgp130Fc in short- and long-term consequences of COVID-19, we used the established K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model. Histological as well as immunohistochemical analysis, and pro-inflammatory marker profiling were performed. To investigate IL-6 trans-signalling in human cells we used primary lung microvascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts in the presence/absence of sgp130Fc. FINDINGS We report that targeting IL-6 trans-signalling by sgp130Fc attenuated SARS-CoV-2-related clinical symptoms and mortality. In surviving mice, the treatment caused a significant decrease in lung damage. In vitro, IL-6 trans-signalling induced strong and persisting JAK1/STAT3 activation in endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts with proinflammatory effects, which were attenuated by sgp130Fc. Our data also suggest that in those cells with scant amounts of IL-6R, the induction of gp130 and IL-6 by IL-6:sIL-6R complex sustains IL-6 trans-signalling. INTERPRETATION IL-6 trans-signalling fosters progression of COVID-19, and suggests that specific blockade of this signalling mode could offer a promising alternative to mitigate both short- and long-term consequences without affecting the beneficial effects of IL-6 classic signalling. These results have implications for the development of new therapies of lung injury and endotheliopathy in COVID-19. FUNDING The project was supported by ISCIII, Spain (COV-20/00792 to MB, PI23/01351 to MARH) and the European Commission-Next generation EU (European Union) (Regulation EU 2020/2094), through CSIC's Global Health Platform (PTI Salud Global, SGL2103029 to MB). PID2019-110587RB-I00 (MB) supported by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/and PID2022-143034OB-I00 (MB) by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER. MAR-H acknowledges support from ISCIII, Spain and the European Commission-Next generation EU (European Union), through CSIC's Global Health PTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Rodríguez-Hernández
- Area of Liver, Digestive and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital (HUVR), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Seville (US), Seville, Spain.
| | - Mercedes Baena-Bustos
- Pneumology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen Macarena University Hospital (HUVM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Seville (US), Seville, Spain
| | - David Carneros
- Area of Liver, Digestive and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital (HUVR), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Seville (US), Seville, Spain
| | - Carola Zurita-Palomo
- Area of Liver, Digestive and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital (HUVR), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Seville (US), Seville, Spain
| | - Pablo Muñoz-Pinillos
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Millán
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Padillo
- Area of Liver, Digestive and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital (HUVR), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Seville (US), Seville, Spain
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of DNA and RNA Medicine, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), and CCUN, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cayetano von Kobbe
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Matilde Bustos
- Area of Liver, Digestive and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital (HUVR), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Seville (US), Seville, Spain.
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Wang Y, Liang Q, Chen F, Zheng J, Chen Y, Chen Z, Li R, Li X. Immune-Cell-Based Therapy for COVID-19: Current Status. Viruses 2023; 15:2148. [PMID: 38005826 PMCID: PMC10674523 DOI: 10.3390/v15112148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global pandemic. The interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses plays a crucial role in managing COVID-19. Cell therapy has recently emerged as a promising strategy to modulate the immune system, offering immense potential for the treatment of COVID-19 due to its customizability and regenerative capabilities. This review provides an overview of the various subsets of immune cell subsets implicated in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and a comprehensive summary of the current status of immune cell therapy in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Wang
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qinghe Liang
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Fengsheng Chen
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiehuang Zheng
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ziye Chen
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruopeng Li
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Santiago L, Gonçalves-Pereira MH, Vieira MS, Gómez Ravetti C, Vassallo PF, Silva e Castro R, Costa Pimenta PP, de Andrade MVM, Santiago HDC, Nobre V. Compartmentalized Regulation of Pulmonary and Systemic Inflammation in Critical COVID-19 Patients. Viruses 2023; 15:1704. [PMID: 37632046 PMCID: PMC10458965 DOI: 10.3390/v15081704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical COVID-19 has been associated with altered patterns of cytokines. Distinct inflammatory processes in systemic and pulmonary sites have been reported, but studies comparing these two sites are still scarce. We aimed to evaluate the profile of pulmonary and systemic cytokines and chemokines in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Levels of cytokines and chemokines were measured in plasma samples and minibronchoalveolar lavage of critical COVID-19 patients within 48 h and 5-8 days after intubation. Distinct inflammatory processes were observed in the lungs and blood, which were regulated separately. Survivor patients showed higher lung cytokine levels including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, G-CSF, and CCL4, while nonsurvivors displayed higher levels in the blood, which included IL-6, CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL4. Furthermore, our findings indicate that high TNF and CXCL8 levels in the mini-BAL were associated with better lung oxygen exchange capacity, whereas high levels of IFN-γ in plasma were associated with worse lung function, as measured using the PaO2/FiO2 ratio. These results suggest that a robust and localized inflammatory response in the lungs is protective and associated with survival, whereas a systemic inflammatory response is detrimental and associated with mortality in critical COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Santiago
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.S.); (C.G.R.); (R.S.e.C.); (P.P.C.P.); (M.V.M.d.A.)
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (M.H.G.-P.); (M.S.V.)
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcela Helena Gonçalves-Pereira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (M.H.G.-P.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Mariana Sousa Vieira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (M.H.G.-P.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Cecilia Gómez Ravetti
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.S.); (C.G.R.); (R.S.e.C.); (P.P.C.P.); (M.V.M.d.A.)
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula Frizera Vassallo
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael Silva e Castro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.S.); (C.G.R.); (R.S.e.C.); (P.P.C.P.); (M.V.M.d.A.)
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pires Costa Pimenta
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.S.); (C.G.R.); (R.S.e.C.); (P.P.C.P.); (M.V.M.d.A.)
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Melo de Andrade
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.S.); (C.G.R.); (R.S.e.C.); (P.P.C.P.); (M.V.M.d.A.)
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
| | - Helton da Costa Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (M.H.G.-P.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Vandack Nobre
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.S.); (C.G.R.); (R.S.e.C.); (P.P.C.P.); (M.V.M.d.A.)
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina Intensiva (NIIMI), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
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4
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Gonçalves‐Pereira MH, Santiago L, Ravetti CG, Vassallo PF, de Andrade MVM, Vieira MS, de Fátima Souza de Oliveira F, Carobin NV, Li G, de Paula Sabino A, Nobre V, da Costa Santiago H. Dysfunctional phenotype of systemic and pulmonary regulatory T cells associate with lethal COVID-19 cases. Immunology 2023; 168:684-696. [PMID: 36349514 PMCID: PMC9877711 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe cases of COVID-19 present hyperinflammatory condition that can be fatal. Little is known about the role of regulatory responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we evaluated the phenotype of regulatory T cells in the blood (peripheral blood mononuclear cell) and the lungs (broncho-alveolar) of adult patients with severe COVID-19 under invasive mechanical ventilation. Our results show important dynamic variation on Treg cells phenotype during COVID-19 with changes in number and functional parameters from the day of intubation (Day 1 of intensive care unit admission) to Day 7. We observed that compared with surviving patients, non-survivors presented lower numbers of Treg cells in the blood. In addition, lung Tregs of non-survivors also displayed higher PD1 and lower FOXP3 expressions suggesting dysfunctional phenotype. Further signs of Treg dysregulation were observed in non-survivors such as limited production of IL-10 in the lungs and higher production of IL-17A in the blood and in the lungs, which were associated with increased PD1 expression. These findings were also associated with lower pulmonary levels of Treg-stimulating factors like TNF and IL-2. Tregs in the blood and lungs are profoundly dysfunctional in non-surviving COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Helena Gonçalves‐Pereira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e ImunologiaInstituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Luciana Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica e ImunologiaInstituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
- Hospital das ClínicasUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina IntensivaDepartamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Cecilia Gómez Ravetti
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina IntensivaDepartamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Paula Frizera Vassallo
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina IntensivaDepartamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Melo de Andrade
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina IntensivaDepartamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Mariana Sousa Vieira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e ImunologiaInstituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | | | - Natália Virtude Carobin
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e ToxicológicasFaculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Guangzhao Li
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Adriano de Paula Sabino
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e ToxicológicasFaculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Vandack Nobre
- Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Investigação em Medicina IntensivaDepartamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Helton da Costa Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica e ImunologiaInstituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrazil
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Haunhorst S, Bloch W, Javelle F, Krüger K, Baumgart S, Drube S, Lemhöfer C, Reuken P, Stallmach A, Müller M, Zielinski CE, Pletz MW, Gabriel HHW, Puta C. A scoping review of regulatory T cell dynamics in convalescent COVID-19 patients - indications for their potential involvement in the development of Long COVID? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1070994. [PMID: 36582234 PMCID: PMC9792979 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1070994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be impaired by the persistence of symptoms or new-onset health complications, commonly referred to as Long COVID. In a subset of patients, Long COVID is associated with immune system perturbations of unknown etiology, which could be related to compromised immunoregulatory mechanisms. Objective The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the existing literature regarding the frequency and functionality of Tregs in convalescent COVID-19 patients and to explore indications for their potential involvement in the development of Long COVID. Design A systematic search of studies investigating Tregs during COVID-19 convalescence was conducted on MEDLINE (via Pubmed) and Web of Science. Results The literature search yielded 17 relevant studies, of which three included a distinct cohort of patients with Long COVID. The reviewed studies suggest that the Treg population of COVID-19 patients can reconstitute quantitatively and functionally during recovery. However, the comparison between recovered and seronegative controls revealed that an infection-induced dysregulation of the Treg compartment can be sustained for at least several months. The small number of studies investigating Tregs in Long COVID allowed no firm conclusions to be drawn about their involvement in the syndrome's etiology. Yet, even almost one year post-infection Long COVID patients exhibit significantly altered proportions of Tregs within the CD4+ T cell population. Conclusions Persistent alterations in cell frequency in Long COVID patients indicate that Treg dysregulation might be linked to immune system-associated sequelae. Future studies should aim to address the association of Treg adaptations with different symptom clusters and blood parameters beyond the sole quantification of cell frequencies while adhering to consensualized phenotyping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Haunhorst
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Javelle
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karsten Krüger
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Sports Therapy, Institute of Sports Science, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Baumgart
- Institute for Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Drube
- Institute for Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Reuken
- Clinic for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Clinic for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- Department of Infection Immunology, Leibniz Institue for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Christina E. Zielinski
- Department of Infection Immunology, Leibniz Institue for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mathias W. Pletz
- Institute for Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger H. W. Gabriel
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Prevention of Diseases related to Professional Activities, Jena, Germany
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