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Yip JQ, Oo A, Ng YL, Chin KL, Tan KK, Chu JJH, AbuBakar S, Zainal N. The role of inflammatory gene polymorphisms in severe COVID-19: a review. Virol J 2024; 21:327. [PMID: 39707400 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02597-3] [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: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 12/03/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has profoundly impacted global healthcare systems and spurred extensive research efforts over the past three years. One critical aspect of the disease is the intricate interplay between the virus and the host immune response, particularly the role of inflammatory gene expression in severe COVID-19. While numerous previous studies have explored the role of genetic polymorphisms in COVID-19, research specifically focusing on inflammatory genes and their associations with disease severity remains limited. This review explores the relationship between severe COVID-19 outcomes and genetic polymorphisms within key inflammatory genes. By investigating the impact of genetic variations on immune responses, which include cytokine production and downstream signalling pathways, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how genetic polymorphisms contribute to the variability in disease presentation. Through an in-depth analysis of existing literature, we shed light on potential therapeutic targets and personalized approaches that may enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Qi Yip
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adrian Oo
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Yan Ling Ng
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Kim Ling Chin
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Advanced Studies Complex, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kim-Kee Tan
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
- Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Nurhafiza Zainal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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2
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Pandey RP, Kumar S, Rao DN, Gupta DL. Emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants and their impact on immune evasion and vaccine-induced immunity. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:761-772. [PMID: 39297227 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae060] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants harboring mutations in the structural protein, especially in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein, have raised concern about potential immune escape. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays a vital role in infection and is an important target for neutralizing antibodies. The mutations that occur in the structural proteins, especially in the spike protein, lead to changes in the virus attributes of transmissibility, an increase in disease severity, a notable reduction in neutralizing antibodies generated and thus a decreased response to vaccines and therapy. The observed multiple mutations in the RBD of the spike protein showed immune escape because it increases the affinity of spike protein binding with the ACE-2 receptor of host cells and increases resistance to neutralizing antibodies. Cytotoxic T-cell responses are crucial in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections from the infected tissues and clearing them from circulation. Cytotoxic T cells efficiently recognized the infected cells and killed them by releasing soluble mediator's perforin and granzymes. However, the overwhelming response of T cells and, subsequently, the overproduction of inflammatory mediators during severe infections with SARS-CoV-2 may lead to poor outcomes. This review article summarizes the impact of mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, especially mutations of RBD, on immunogenicity, immune escape and vaccine-induced immunity, which could contribute to future studies focusing on vaccine design and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramendra Pati Pandey
- School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST), UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India-248007
| | - Sachin Kumar
- School of Allied Health Sciences and Management, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India-110017
| | - D N Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India-110029
| | - Dablu Lal Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India-492099
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3
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Zornikova K, Dianov D, Ivanova N, Davydova V, Nenasheva T, Fefelova E, Bogolyubova A. Features of Highly Homologous T-Cell Receptor Repertoire in the Immune Response to Mutations in Immunogenic Epitopes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:12591. [PMID: 39684303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252312591] [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: 10/18/2024] [Revised: 11/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T-cell immunity, mediated through interactions between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the T-cell receptor (TCR), plays a pivotal role in conferring immune memory and protection against viral infections. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants presents a significant challenge to the existing population immunity. While numerous SARS-CoV-2 mutations have been associated with immune evasion from CD8+ T cells, the molecular effects of most mutations on epitope-specific TCR recognition remain largely unexplored, particularly for epitope-specific repertoires characterized by common TCRs. In this study, we investigated an HLA-A*24-restricted NYN epitope (Spike448-456) that elicits broad and highly homologous CD8+ T cell responses in COVID-19 patients. Eleven naturally occurring mutations in the NYN epitope, all of which retained cell surface presentation by HLA, were tested against four transgenic Jurkat reporter cell lines. Our findings demonstrate that, with the exception of L452R and the combined mutation L452Q + Y453F, these mutations have minimal impact on the avidity of recognition by NYN peptide-specific TCRs. Additionally, we observed that a similar TCR responded differently to mutant epitopes and demonstrated cross-reactivity to the unrelated VYF epitope (ORF3a112-120). The results contradict the idea that immune responses with limited receptor diversity are insufficient to provide protection against emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Zornikova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow 125167, Russia
| | - Dmitry Dianov
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow 125167, Russia
| | - Natalia Ivanova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow 125167, Russia
| | - Vassa Davydova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow 125167, Russia
| | - Tatiana Nenasheva
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow 125167, Russia
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4
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Bashor L, Gallichotte EN, Galvan M, Erbeck K, Croft L, Stache K, Stenglein M, Johnson JG, Pabilonia K, VandeWoude S. SARS-CoV-2 within-host population expansion, diversification and adaptation in zoo tigers, lions and hyenas. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.10.24.620075. [PMID: 39484504 PMCID: PMC11527109 DOI: 10.1101/2024.10.24.620075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 rapidly adapts to new hosts following cross-species transmission; this is highly relevant as novel within-host variants have emerged following infection of susceptible wild and domestic animal species. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 transmission from animals (e.g., white-tailed deer, mink, domestic cats, and others) back to humans has also been observed, documenting the potential of novel animal-derived variants to infect humans. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 evolution and host-specific adaptation during an outbreak in Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), African lions (Panthera leo), and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) at Denver Zoo in late 2021. SARS-CoV-2 genomes from longitudinal samples collected from 16 individuals were evaluated for within-host variation and genomic signatures of selection. The outbreak was likely initiated by a single spillover of a rare Delta sublineage subsequently transmitted from tigers to lions to hyenas. Within-host virus populations rapidly expanded and diversified. We detected signatures of purifying and positive selection, including strong positive selection in hyenas and in the nucleocapsid (N) gene in all animals. Four candidate species-specific adaptive mutations were identified: N A254V in lions and hyenas, and ORF1a E1724D, spike T274I, and N P326L in hyenas. These results reveal accelerated SARS-CoV-2 adaptation following host shifts in three non-domestic species in daily contact with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bashor
- Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University
| | | | - Michelle Galvan
- Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University
| | - Katelyn Erbeck
- Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
| | | | | | - Mark Stenglein
- Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University
| | | | | | - Sue VandeWoude
- Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University
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5
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Deng S, Xu Z, Hu J, Yang Y, Zhu F, Liu Z, Zhang H, Wu S, Jin T. The molecular mechanisms of CD8 + T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection mediated by TCR-pMHC interactions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1468456. [PMID: 39450171 PMCID: PMC11499136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1468456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) have been implicated in the severity of COVID-19. The TCR-pMHC ternary complex, formed by the T cell receptor (TCR) and peptide-MHC (major histocompatibility complex), constitutes the molecular basis of CTL responses against SARS-CoV-2. While numerous studies have been conducted on T cell immunity, the molecular mechanisms underlying CTL-mediated immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection have not been well elaborated. In this review, we described the association between HLA variants and different immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may lead to varying COVID-19 outcomes. We also summarized the specific TCR repertoires triggered by certain SARS-CoV-2 CTL epitopes, which might explain the variations in disease outcomes among different patients. Importantly, we have highlighted the primary strategies used by SARS-CoV-2 variants to evade T-cell killing: disrupting peptide-MHC binding, TCR recognition, and antigen processing. This review provides valuable insights into the molecule mechanism of CTL responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiding efforts to control the pandemic and prepare for future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Deng
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhihao Xu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jing Hu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yunru Yang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhuan Liu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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6
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Lo VT, Lim HA, Jang SS, Kim MC, Chamfort AC, Kim HY, Mun DY, Kang MC, Lee HB, Kim S, Lee Y, Park S, Yoon SW, Kim HK. N121T and N121S substitutions on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein impact on serum neutralization. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29871. [PMID: 39221474 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29871] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The N121 site on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is associated with heme and its metabolite, biliverdin, which can affect antibody binding. Both N121T and N121S substitutions have been observed in natural conditions and in a hamster model of dual infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus. Serum pseudotype neutralization assays against HIV-1 particles carrying wild-type, N121T, and N121S spikes with immune mouse and human sera revealed that N121T and N121S mutations had a greater impact on serum neutralization than biliverdin treatment. Although N121T and N121S substitutions are not currently major SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, this study could provide fundamental information to prepare for potential future mutations at the N121 site of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Thi Lo
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hyun A Lim
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Seong Sik Jang
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Min Chan Kim
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Alain Chrysler Chamfort
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Ha Yeon Kim
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Da Young Mun
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Min Chang Kang
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Han Byul Lee
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Sunjoo Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, South Korea
| | - Younghee Lee
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Sangkyu Park
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Sun-Woo Yoon
- Department of Vaccine Biotechnology, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
| | - Hye Kwon Kim
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
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7
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Serdyuk YV, Zornikova KV, Dianov DV, Ivanova NO, Davydova VD, Fefelova EI, Nenasheva TA, Sheetikov SA, Bogolyubova AV. T-Cell Receptors Cross-Reactive to Coronaviral Epitopes Homologous to the SPR Peptide. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:1631-1642. [PMID: 39418521 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924090098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has promoted an interest in studying the T-cell immune response. It was found that the polyclonal and cross-reactive T-cell response against seasonal coronaviruses and other SARS-CoV-2 strains reduced disease severity. We investigated the immunodominant T-cell epitope SPRWYFYYYL from the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. The immune response to this epitope is characterized by the formation of highly homologous (convergent) receptors that have been found in the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires of different individuals. This epitope belongs to a group of highly conserved peptides that are rarely mutated in novel SARS-CoV-2 strains and are homologous to the epitopes of seasonal coronaviruses. It has been suggested that the cross-reactive response to homologous peptides contributes to the reduction of COVID-19 severity. However, some investigators have questioned this hypothesis, suggesting that the low affinity of the cross-reactive receptors reduces the strength of the immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of amino acid substitutions in the SPR epitope on its binding affinity to specific TCRs. For this, we performed antigen-dependent cellular expansions were performed using samples from four COVID-19-transfected donors and sequenced their TCR repertoires. The resulting SPR-specific repertoire of β-chains in TCRs had a greater sequence diversity than the repertoire of α-chains. However, the TCR repertoires of all four donors contained public receptors, three of which were cloned and used to generate the Jurkat E6-1 TPR cell line. Only one of these receptors was activated by the SPR peptide and recognized with the same affinity by its mutant homologue LPRWYFYYY from seasonal coronaviruses. This indicates that the presence of the mutation did not affect the strength of the immune response, which may explain why the cross-reactive response to the SPR epitope is so frequent and contributes positively to COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana V Serdyuk
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Ksenia V Zornikova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Dianov
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Nataliia O Ivanova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Vassa D Davydova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Ekaterina I Fefelova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Nenasheva
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Saveliy A Sheetikov
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Apollinariya V Bogolyubova
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia.
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8
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Asaba CN, Ekabe CJ, Ayuk HS, Gwanyama BN, Bitazar R, Bukong TN. Interplay of TLR4 and SARS-CoV-2: Unveiling the Complex Mechanisms of Inflammation and Severity in COVID-19 Infections. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:5077-5091. [PMID: 39081874 PMCID: PMC11288317 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s474707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The late 2019 emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, caused profound and unprecedented disruption to the global socio-economic structure, negatively affecting millions of lives worldwide. A typical hallmark of severe COVID-19 is hyper inflammation due to aberrant cytokine release (cytokine storm) by innate immune cells. Recent studies have revealed that SARS-CoV-2, through its spike (S) protein, can activate the body's innate immune cells via Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), particularly TLR4. In silico studies have demonstrated that the S protein binds with high affinity to TLR4, triggering downstream signaling processes that result in pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Compared to other TLRs, such as TLR2, TLR4 plays a more significant role in initiating and sustaining the inflammatory response associated with severe COVID-19. Furthermore, interactions between the virus and target cells can enhance the cellular expression of TLR4, making cells more susceptible to viral interactions and subsequent inflammation. This increased expression of TLR4 upon viral entry creates a feedback loop, where heightened TLR4 levels lead to amplified inflammatory responses, contributing to the severity of the disease. Additionally, TLR4's potent activation of inflammatory pathways sets it apart from other TLRs, underscoring its pivotal role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In this review, we thoroughly explore the multitude of regulatory signaling pathways that SARS-CoV-2 employs to incite inflammation. We specifically focus on the critical impact of TLR4 activation compared to other TLRs, highlighting how TLR4's interactions with the viral S protein can exacerbate the severity of COVID-19. By delving into the mechanisms of TLR4-mediated inflammation, we aim to shed light on potential therapeutic targets that could mitigate the inflammatory damage caused by severe COVID-19. Understanding the unique role of TLR4 in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection could pave the way for novel treatment strategies that specifically inhibit this receptor's activity, thereby reducing the overall disease burden and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Njinju Asaba
- Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie Research Center, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Cyril Jabea Ekabe
- Department of Translational Biomedical Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Humblenoble Stembridge Ayuk
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | | | - Razieh Bitazar
- Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie Research Center, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Terence Ndonyi Bukong
- Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie Research Center, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, Québec, Canada
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9
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Galeota E, Bevilacqua V, Gobbini A, Gruarin P, Bombaci M, Pesce E, Favalli A, Lombardi A, Vincenti F, Ongaro J, Fabbris T, Curti S, Martinovic M, Toccafondi M, Lorenzo M, Critelli A, Clemente F, Crosti M, Sarnicola ML, Martinelli M, La Sala L, Espadas A, Donnici L, Borghi MO, De Feo T, De Francesco R, Prati D, Meroni PL, Notarbartolo S, Geginat J, Gori A, Bandera A, Abrignani S, Grifantini R. Tracking the immune response profiles elicited by the BNT162b2 vaccine in COVID-19 unexperienced and experienced individuals. Clin Immunol 2024; 261:110164. [PMID: 38417765 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110164] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Multiple vaccines have been approved to control COVID-19 pandemic, with Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2) being widely used. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of the immune response elicited after three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine in individuals who have previously experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection and in unexperienced ones. We conducted immunological analyses and single-cell transcriptomics of circulating T and B lymphocytes, combined to CITE-seq or LIBRA-seq, and VDJ-seq. We found that antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 Spike, NTD and RBD from wild-type, delta and omicron VoCs show comparable dynamics in both vaccination groups, with a peak after the second dose, a decline after six months and a restoration after the booster dose. The antibody neutralization activity was maintained, with lower titers against the omicron variant. Spike-specific memory B cell response was sustained over the vaccination schedule. Clonal analysis revealed that Spike-specific B cells were polyclonal, with a partial clone conservation from natural infection to vaccination. Spike-specific T cell responses were oriented towards effector and effector memory phenotypes, with similar trends in unexperienced and experienced individuals. The CD8 T cell compartment showed a higher clonal expansion and persistence than CD4 T cells. The first two vaccinations doses tended to induce new clones rather than promoting expansion of pre-existing clones. However, we identified a fraction of Spike-specific CD8 T cell clones persisting from natural infection that were boosted by vaccination and clones specifically induced by vaccination. Collectively, our observations revealed a moderate effect of the second dose in enhancing the immune responses elicited after the first vaccination. Differently, we found that a third dose was necessary to restore comparable levels of neutralizing antibodies and Spike-specific T and B cell responses in individuals who experienced a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Galeota
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Bevilacqua
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gobbini
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Gruarin
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Bombaci
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pesce
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Favalli
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy; Ph.D. Program in Translational and Molecular Medicine, Dottorato in Medicina Molecolare e Traslazionale (DIMET), University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Lombardi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy; Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milano, Milan 20122, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Francesca Vincenti
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Ongaro
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Tanya Fabbris
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Curti
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Martinovic
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Mirco Toccafondi
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lorenzo
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Angelica Critelli
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Clemente
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Crosti
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Sarnicola
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Alejandro Espadas
- Laboratory of Transplant Immunology - North Italy Transplant program (NITp) - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, Italy
| | - Lorena Donnici
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Orietta Borghi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - Tullia De Feo
- Laboratory of Transplant Immunology - North Italy Transplant program (NITp) - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Francesco
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Prati
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - Samuele Notarbartolo
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy; Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Jens Geginat
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milano, Milan 20122, Italy; Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale "Luigi Sacco", Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bandera
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy; Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milano, Milan 20122, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Sergio Abrignani
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Renata Grifantini
- INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy; CheckmAb Srl, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Khadri L, Ziraksaz MH, Barekzai AB, Ghauri B. T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 202:183-217. [PMID: 38237986 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of T cell responses in COVID-19, focusing on T cell differentiation, specificity, and functional characteristics during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The differentiation of T cells in COVID-19 is explored, highlighting the key factors that influence T cell fate and effector functions. The immunology of the spike protein, a critical component of SARS-CoV-2, is discussed in detail, emphasizing its role in driving T-cell responses. The cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 during acute infection are examined, including the specificity, phenotype, and functional attributes of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses. Furthermore, the chapter explores T-cell cross-recognition against other human coronaviruses (HCoVs) and the mechanisms of immune regulation mediated by spike proteins. This includes the induction of regulation through the innate immune system, the activation of self-spike protein-cross-reactive regulatory T cells, and the impact of self-tolerance on the regulation of spike proteins. The chapter investigates T cell responses to self-spike proteins and their implications in disease. The role of spike proteins as immunological targets in the context of COVID-19 is examined, shedding light on potential therapeutic interventions and clinical trials in autoimmune diseases. In conclusion, this chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of T cell responses in COVID-19, highlighting their differentiation, immune regulation, and clinical implications. This knowledge contributes to the development of targeted immunotherapies, vaccine strategies, and diagnostic approaches for COVID-19 and other related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiqha Khadri
- Department of Biotechnology, Immune Inspired, Bangalore.
| | | | | | - Baber Ghauri
- Department of Biotechnology, Immune Inspired, Bangalore
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11
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Zhang Y, Kang X, Liu S, Han P, Lei W, Xu K, Xu Z, Gao Z, Zhou X, An Y, Han Y, Liu K, Zhao X, Dai L, Wang P, Wu G, Qi J, Xu K, Gao GF. Broad protective RBD heterotrimer vaccines neutralize SARS-CoV-2 including Omicron sub-variants XBB/BQ.1.1/BF.7. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011659. [PMID: 37721934 PMCID: PMC10538664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants with severe immune evasion are a major challenge for COVID-19 prevention, especially the circulating Omicron XBB/BQ.1.1/BF.7 strains. Thus, the next-generation of broad-spectrum vaccines are urgently needed. Previously, we developed a COVID-19 protein subunit vaccine, ZF2001, based on the RBD-homodimer as the immunogen. To adapt SARS-CoV-2 variants, we developed chimeric RBD-heterodimers to induce broad immune responses. In this study, we further explored the concept of tandem RBD homotrimer and heterotrimer. Prototype SARS-CoV-2 RBD-homotrimer, prototype-Delta-BA.1 (PDO) RBD-heterotrimer and Delta-BA.2-BA.5 (DBA2BA5) RBD-heterotrimer were designed. Biochemical and cryo-EM structural characterization demonstrated total epitope exposure of the RBD-trimers. In mouse experiments, PDO and DBA2BA5 elicited broad SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. Potent protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants was observed in challenge assays and was correlated with neutralizing antibody titer. This study validated the design strategy of tandem RBD-heterotrimers as multivalent immunogens and presented a promising vaccine candidate, DBA2BA5, eliciting broad-spectrum immune responses, including against the circulating XBB/BF.7/BQ.1.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinrui Kang
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Cryo-EM Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pu Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Lei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zepeng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Zhengrong Gao
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuemei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yaling An
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxuan Han
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lianpan Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyi Wang
- Cryo-EM Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guizhen Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Xu
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - George F. Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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12
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Dang TTT, Anzurez A, Nakayama-Hosoya K, Miki S, Yamashita K, de Souza M, Matano T, Kawana-Tachikawa A. Breadth and Durability of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cell Responses following Long-Term Recovery from COVID-19. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0214323. [PMID: 37428088 PMCID: PMC10433967 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02143-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell immunity is crucial for long-term immunological memory, but the profile of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific memory T cells in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 (COVID-19-convalescent individuals) is not sufficiently assessed. In this study, the breadth and magnitude of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses were determined in COVID-19-convalescent individuals in Japan. Memory T cells against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in all convalescent individuals, and those with more severe disease exhibited a broader T cell response relative to cases with mild symptoms. Comprehensive screening of T cell responses at the peptide level was conducted for spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, and regions frequently targeted by T cells were identified. Multiple regions in S and N proteins were targeted by memory T cells, with median numbers of target regions of 13 and 4, respectively. A maximum of 47 regions were recognized by memory T cells for an individual. These data indicate that SARS-CoV-2-convalescent individuals maintain a substantial breadth of memory T cells for at least several months following infection. Broader SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cell responses, relative to CD8+ T cell responses, were observed for the S but not the N protein, suggesting that antigen presentation is different between viral proteins. The binding affinity of predicted CD8+ T cell epitopes to HLA class I molecules in these regions was preserved for the Delta variant and at 94 to 96% for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, suggesting that the amino acid changes in these variants do not have a major impact on antigen presentation to SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells. IMPORTANCE RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, evade host immune responses through mutations. As broader T cell responses against multiple viral proteins could minimize the impact of each single amino acid mutation, the breadth of memory T cells would be one essential parameter for effective protection. In this study, breadth of memory T cells to S and N proteins was assessed in COVID-19-convalescent individuals. While broad T cell responses were induced against both proteins, the ratio of N to S proteins for breadth of T cell responses was significantly higher in milder cases. The breadth of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses was also significantly different between S and N proteins, suggesting different contributions of N and S protein-specific T cells for COVID-19 control. Most CD8+ T cell epitopes in the immunodominant regions maintained their HLA binding to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. Our study provides insights into understanding the protective efficacy of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory T cells against reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thu Thao Dang
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Alitzel Anzurez
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Shoji Miki
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Mark de Souza
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Matano
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of AIDS Vaccine Development, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Kawana-Tachikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of AIDS Vaccine Development, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Chen M, Venturi V, Munier CML. Dissecting the Protective Effect of CD8 + T Cells in Response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination and the Potential Link with Lymph Node CD8 + T Cells. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1035. [PMID: 37508464 PMCID: PMC10376827 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have played a crucial role in effectively reducing COVID-19 disease severity, with a new generation of vaccines that use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology being administered globally. Neutralizing antibodies have featured as the heroes of vaccine-induced immunity. However, vaccine-elicited CD8+ T cells may have a significant impact on the early protective effects of the mRNA vaccine, which are evident 12 days after initial vaccination. Vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells have been shown to respond to multiple epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 and exhibit polyfunctionality in the periphery at the early stage, even when neutralizing antibodies are scarce. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines induce diverse subsets of memory CD8+ T cells that persist for more than six months following vaccination. However, the protective role of CD8+ T cells in response to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines remains a topic of debate. In addition, our understanding of CD8+ T cells in response to vaccination in the lymph nodes, where they first encounter antigen, is still limited. This review delves into the current knowledge regarding the protective role of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells in controlling the virus, the response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, and the contribution to supporting B cell activity and promoting immune protection in the lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Chen
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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14
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Shen J, Fan J, Zhao Y, Jiang D, Niu Z, Zhang Z, Cao G. Innate and adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and predisposing factors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1159326. [PMID: 37228604 PMCID: PMC10203583 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1159326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has affected all countries worldwide. Although some symptoms are relatively mild, others are still associated with severe and even fatal clinical outcomes. Innate and adaptive immunity are important for the control of SARS-CoV-2 infections, whereas a comprehensive characterization of the innate and adaptive immune response to COVID-19 is still lacking and the mechanisms underlying immune pathogenesis and host predisposing factors are still a matter of scientific debate. Here, the specific functions and kinetics of innate and adaptive immunity involved in SARS-CoV-2 recognition and resultant pathogenesis are discussed, as well as their immune memory for vaccinations, viral-mediated immune evasion, and the current and future immunotherapeutic agents. We also highlight host factors that contribute to infection, which may deepen the understanding of viral pathogenesis and help identify targeted therapies that attenuate severe disease and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Shen
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyan Fan
- Department of Epidemiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Doming Jiang
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheyun Niu
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Wu D, Efimov GA, Bogolyubova AV, Pierce BG, Mariuzza RA. Structural insights into protection against a SARS-CoV-2 spike variant by T cell receptor diversity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103035. [PMID: 36806685 PMCID: PMC9934920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells play a crucial role in combatting SARS-CoV-2 and forming long-term memory responses to this coronavirus. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that can evade T cell immunity has raised concerns about vaccine efficacy and the risk of reinfection. Some SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitopes elicit clonally restricted CD8+ T cell responses characterized by T cell receptors (TCRs) that lack structural diversity. Mutations in such epitopes can lead to loss of recognition by most T cells specific for that epitope, facilitating viral escape. Here, we studied an HLA-A2-restricted spike protein epitope (RLQ) that elicits CD8+ T cell responses in COVID-19 convalescent patients characterized by highly diverse TCRs. We previously reported the structure of an RLQ-specific TCR (RLQ3) with greatly reduced recognition of the most common natural variant of the RLQ epitope (T1006I). Opposite to RLQ3, TCR RLQ7 recognizes T1006I with even higher functional avidity than the WT epitope. To explain the ability of RLQ7, but not RLQ3, to tolerate the T1006I mutation, we determined structures of RLQ7 bound to RLQ-HLA-A2 and T1006I-HLA-A2. These complexes show that there are multiple structural solutions to recognizing RLQ and thereby generating a clonally diverse T cell response to this epitope that assures protection against viral escape and T cell clonal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China; W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Brian G Pierce
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.
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