Characterization of T lymphocytes in severe COVID-19 patients

J Med Virol. 2021 Sep;93(9):5608-5613. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27037. Epub 2021 May 3.

Abstract

In this observational study, 13 patients with severe COVID-19 and 10 healthy controls were enrolled. The data concerning the analysis of circulating T cells show that, in severe COVID-19 patients, the expansion of these cell compartments is prone to induce antibody response, inflammation (CCR4+ and CCR6+ TFH) and regulation (CD8+ Treg). This pathogenic mechanism could lead us to envision a possible new form of biological target therapy.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; T lymphocytes; adaptive immunity.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Viral / biosynthesis*
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, CCR4
  • Receptors, CCR6
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Receptors, CCR4
  • Receptors, CCR6