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Queiroz MAF, Brito WRDS, Pereira KAS, Pereira LMS, Amoras EDSG, Lima SS, Santos EFD, Costa FPD, Sarges KMLD, Cantanhede MHD, Brito MTFMD, Silva ALSD, Leite MDM, Viana MDNDSDA, Rodrigues FBB, Silva RD, Viana GMR, Chaves TDSS, Veríssimo ADOL, Carvalho MDS, Henriques DF, Silva CPD, Nunes JAL, Costa IB, Cayres-Vallinoto IMV, Brasil-Costa I, Quaresma JAS, Falcão LFM, Santos EJMD, Vallinoto ACR. Severe COVID-19 and long COVID are associated with high expression of STING, cGAS and IFN-α. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4974. [PMID: 38424312 PMCID: PMC10904751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55696-0] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The cGAS-STING pathway appears to contribute to dysregulated inflammation during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, inflammatory factors related to long COVID are still being investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the association of cGAS and STING gene expression levels and plasma IFN-α, TNF-α and IL-6 levels with COVID-19 severity in acute infection and long COVID, based on analysis of blood samples from 148 individuals, 87 with acute COVID-19 and 61 in the post-COVID-19 period. Quantification of gene expression was performed by real-time PCR, and cytokine levels were quantified by ELISA and flow cytometry. In acute COVID-19, cGAS, STING, IFN-α, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were higher in patients with severe disease than in those with nonsevere manifestations (p < 0.05). Long COVID was associated with elevated cGAS, STING and IFN-α levels (p < 0.05). Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway may contribute to an intense systemic inflammatory state in severe COVID-19 and, after infection resolution, induce an autoinflammatory disease in some tissues, resulting in long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.
| | - Wandrey Roberto Dos Santos Brito
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Keise Adrielle Santos Pereira
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Leonn Mendes Soares Pereira
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Souza Lima
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Erika Ferreira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Flávia Póvoa da Costa
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Kevin Matheus Lima de Sarges
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Marcos Henrique Damasceno Cantanhede
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mauro de Meira Leite
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Maria de Nazaré do Socorro de Almeida Viana
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Brasil Barbosa Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Rosilene da Silva
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Giselle Maria Rachid Viana
- Laboratory of Basic Research On Malaria, Parasitology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health and Environment Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Tânia do Socorro Souza Chaves
- Laboratory of Basic Research On Malaria, Parasitology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health and Environment Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniele Freitas Henriques
- Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health and Environment Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Carla Pinheiro da Silva
- Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health and Environment Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Juliana Abreu Lima Nunes
- Laboratory of Immunology, Section of Virology, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Health and Environment Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Iran Barros Costa
- Laboratory of Immunology, Section of Virology, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Health and Environment Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Department of Science, Technology, Innovation and Strategic Health Inputs, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres-Vallinoto
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Igor Brasil-Costa
- Laboratory of Immunology, Section of Virology, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Health and Environment Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Department of Science, Technology, Innovation and Strategic Health Inputs, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Ananindeua, Brazil
| | - Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma
- Graduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Department of Science, Technology, Innovation and Strategic Health Inputs, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Ananindeua, Brazil
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, University of the State of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo José Melo Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Rosário Vallinoto
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Virology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Department of Science, Technology, Innovation and Strategic Health Inputs, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Ananindeua, Brazil
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Xiao MT, Ellsworth CR, Qin X. Emerging role of complement in COVID-19 and other respiratory virus diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:94. [PMID: 38368584 PMCID: PMC10874912 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05157-8] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The complement system, a key component of innate immunity, provides the first line of defense against bacterial infection; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that it may also engender severe complications in the context of viral respiratory disease. Here, we review the mechanisms of complement activation and regulation and explore their roles in both protecting against infection and exacerbating disease. We discuss emerging evidence related to complement-targeted therapeutics in COVID-19 and compare the role of the complement in other respiratory viral diseases like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. We review recent mechanistic studies and animal models that can be used for further investigation. Novel knockout studies are proposed to better understand the nuances of the activation of the complement system in respiratory viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Xiao
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Health Sciences Campus, 18703 Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA, 70433, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Calder R Ellsworth
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Health Sciences Campus, 18703 Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA, 70433, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Xuebin Qin
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Health Sciences Campus, 18703 Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA, 70433, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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de Andrade LV, de Souza Sá MV, Vasconcelos B, Vasconcelos LRS, Khouri R, de Souza CDF, Armstrong ADC, do Carmo RF. High production MBL2 polymorphisms protect against COVID-19 complications in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23670. [PMID: 38187242 PMCID: PMC10770498 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binds to SARS-CoV-2, inhibits infection of susceptible cells, and activates the complement system via the lectin pathway. In this study, we investigated the association of MBL2 polymorphisms with the risk of hospitalization and clinical worsening in patients with COVID-19. A total of 550 patients with COVID-19 were included (94 non-hospitalized and 456 hospitalized). Polymorphisms in MBL2 exon 1 (codons 52, 54 and 57) and promoter region (-550, -221, and +4) were determined by real-time PCR. MBL and complement proteins were measured by Luminex. A higher frequency of the H/H genotype and the HYPA haplotype was observed in non-hospitalized patients when compared to hospitalized. In addition, critically ill patients carrying haplotypes associated with high MBL levels (HYPA/HYPA + HYPA/LYPA + HYPA/LYQA + LYPA/LYQA + LYPA/LYPA + LYQA/LYQA + LXPA/HYPA + LXPA/LYQA + LXPA/LYPA) were protected against lower oxygen saturation levels (P = 0.02), use of invasive ventilation use (P = 0.02, OR 0.38), and shock (P = 0.01, OR 0.40), independent of other potential confounders adjusted by multivariate analysis. Our results suggest that variants in MBL2 associated with high MBL levels may play a protective role in the clinical course of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Viana de Andrade
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Brazil
| | - Mirela Vanessa de Souza Sá
- Colegiado de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Vasconcelos
- Instituto de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Khouri
- Instituto de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Feliciano do Carmo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Brazil
- Colegiado de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Brazil
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Chen LN, Shou ZX, Jin X. Interaction Between Genetic Susceptibility and COVID-19 Pathogenesis in Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Disorders: The Role of Immune Responses. Viral Immunol 2024; 37:1-11. [PMID: 38271561 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2023.0074] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have highlighted the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) symptoms reminiscent of Kawasaki disease in children, including fever, heightened multisystem inflammation, and multiorgan involvement, posing a life-threatening complication. Consequently, extensive research endeavors in pediatric have aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between COVID-19 infection and the immune system. COVID-19 profoundly impacts immune cells, culminating in a cytokine storm that particularly inflicts damage on the pulmonary system. The gravity and vulnerability to COVID-19 are closely intertwined with the vigor of the immune response. In this context, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule assumes pivotal significance in shaping immune responses. Genetic scrutiny of HLA has unveiled the presence of at least one deleterious allele in children afflicted with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Furthermore, research has demonstrated that COVID-19 exploits the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor, transmembrane serine protease type 2, and various other genes to gain entry into host cells, with individuals harboring ACE-2 polymorphisms being at higher risk. Pediatric studies have employed diverse genetic methodologies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and whole exome sequencing, to scrutinize target genes. These investigations have pinpointed two specific genomic loci linked to the severity and susceptibility of COVID-19, with the HLA locus emerging as a notable risk factor. In this comprehensive review article, we endeavor to assess the available evidence and consolidate data, offering insights into current clinical practices and delineating avenues for future research. Our objective is to advance early diagnosis, stabilization, and appropriate management strategies to mitigate genetic susceptibility's impact on the incidence of COVID-19 in pediatric patients with multisystem inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Chen
- Department of Pediatric, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Zhang-Xuan Shou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
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Scialò F, Cernera G, Esposito S, Pinchera B, Gentile I, Di Domenico M, Bianco A, Pastore L, Amato F, Castaldo G. The MBL2 genotype relates to COVID-19 severity and may help to select the optimal therapy. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:2143-2149. [PMID: 37313996 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0183] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sars-CoV-2 acute infection is clinically heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic cases to patients with a severe, systemic clinical course. Among the involved factors age and preexisting morbidities play a major role; genetic host susceptibility contributes to modulating the clinical expression and outcome of the disease. Mannose-binding lectin is an acute-phase protein that activates the lectin-complement pathway, promotes opsonophagocytosis and modulates inflammation, and is involved in several bacterial and viral infections in humans. Understanding its role in Sars-CoV-2 infection could help select a better therapy. METHODS We studied MBL2 haplotypes in 419 patients with acute COVID-19 in comparison to the general population and related the haplotypes to clinical and laboratory markers of severity. RESULTS We recorded an enhanced frequency of MBL2 null alleles in patients with severe acute COVID-19. The homozygous null genotypes were significantly more frequent in patients with advanced WHO score 4-7 (OR of about 4) and related to more severe inflammation, neutrophilia, and lymphopenia. CONCLUSIONS Subjects with a defective MBL2 genotype (i.e., 0/0) are predisposed to a more severe acute Sars-CoV-2 infection; they may benefit from early replacement therapy with recombinant MBL. Furthermore, a subset of subjects with the A/A MBL genotype develop a relevant increase of serum MBL during the early phases of the disease and develop a more severe pulmonary disease; in these patients, the targeting of the complement may help. Therefore, COVID-19 patients should be tested at hospitalization with serum MBL analysis and MBL2 genotype, to define the optimal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Scialò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Naples, Italy
| | - Gustavo Cernera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Biagio Pinchera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Di Domenico
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Bianco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Amato
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Naples, Italy
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