In:
Journal of Medical Virology, Wiley, Vol. 95, No. 1 ( 2023-01)
Abstract:
Accumulating evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) impairs the adaptive immune system during acute infection. Still, it remains largely unclear whether the frequency and functions of T and B cells return to normal after the recovery of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Here, we analyzed immune repertoires and SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific neutralization antibodies in a prospective cohort of 40 COVID‐19 survivors with a 6‐month follow‐up after hospital discharge. Immune repertoire sequencing revealed abnormal T‐ and B‐cell expression and function with large T cell receptor/B cell receptor clones, decreased diversity, abnormal class‐switch recombination, and somatic hypermutation. A decreased number of B cells but an increased proportion of CD19 + CD138 + B cells were found in COVID‐19 survivors. The proportion of CD4 + T cells, especially circulating follicular helper T (cTfh) cells, was increased, whereas the frequency of CD3 + CD4 − T cells was decreased. SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific neutralization IgG and IgM antibodies were identified in all survivors, especially those recorded with severe COVID‐19 who showed a higher inhibition rate of neutralization antibodies. All severe cases complained of more than one COVID‐19 sequelae after 6 months of recovery. Overall, our findings indicate that SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies remain detectable even after 6 months of recovery. Because of their abnormal adaptive immune system with a low number of CD3 + CD4 − T cells and high susceptibility to infections, COVID‐19 patients might need more time and medical care to fully recover from immune abnormalities and tissue damage.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0146-6615
,
1096-9071
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
752392-0
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1475090-9
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