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Biomédica
Print version ISSN 0120-4157On-line version ISSN 2590-7379
Abstract
AGUILAR-JIMENEZ, Wbeimar et al. Immune characterization of a Colombian family cluster with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Biomed. [online]. 2021, vol.41, suppl.2, pp.86-102. Epub Oct 15, 2021. ISSN 0120-4157. https://doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.5976.
Introduction:
Immunological markers have been described during COVID-19 and persist after recovery. These immune markers are associated with clinical features among SARS- CoV-2 infected individuals. Nevertheless, studies reporting a comprehensive analysis of the immune changes occurring during SARS-CoV-2 infection are still limited.
Objective:
To evaluate the production of proinflammatory cytokines, the antibody response, and the phenotype and function of NK cells and T cells in a Colombian family cluster with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Materials and methods:
Proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA. The frequency, phenotype, and function of NK cells (cocultures with K562 cells) and T-cells (stimulated with spike/RdRp peptides) were assessed by flow cytometry. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were determined using indirect immunofluorescence and plaque reduction neutralization assay.
Results:
During COVID-19, we observed a high proinflammatory-cytokine production and a reduced CD56bright-NK cell and cytotoxic response. Compared with healthy controls, infected individuals had a higher frequency of dysfunctional CD8+ T cells CD38+HLA-DR-. During the acute phase, CD8+ T cells stimulated with viral peptides exhibited a monofunctional response characterized by high IL-10 production. However, during recovery, we observed a bifunctional response characterized by the co-expression of CD107a and granzyme B or perforin.
Conclusion:
Although the proinflammatory response is a hallmark of SARS-CoV-2 infection, other phenotypic and functional alterations in NK cells and CD8+ T cells could be associated with the outcome of COVID-19. However, additional studies are required to understand these alterations and to guide future immunotherapy strategies.
Keywords : Coronavirus infections; inflammation; killer cells, natural; T-lymphocytes; antibodies, neutralizing.