ABSTRACT
S94 Figure 1Comparison of neutrophil effector functions between COVID-19 variants (alpha n=33, delta n=13, omicron n-14). A.% change in phagocytosis significantly increased between alpha and delta patients (p=0.0162). B. Fold change in cells migrated through a transwell pore to IL8 compared to vehicle control significantly reduced in omicron patients compared alpha and delta (vs alpha p=0.0018, vs delta p=0.0370). C. Neutrophil extracellular trap production after stimulation with PMA compared to vehicle control significantly reduced in omicron patients compared to alpha (p=0.0396)[Figure omitted. See PDF]DiscussionOur results showing changes in neutrophil „function and phenotype differ between variants of COVID-19 infection, potentially reflect viral evolution. This change in neutrophil function may contribute to the evolving clinical phenotype observed in patients. Our population of ward-based COVID-19 patients represents the majority of inpatient hospital burden where early intervention may prevent clinical deterioration. Targeting neutrophil function may be an effective way of improving infection outcome in the future.ReferenceBelchamber K, et al. Altered neutrophil phenotype and function in non-ICU hospitalised COVID-19 patients correlated with disease severity. medRxiv, 2021: p. 2021.06.08.21258535.