Time-dependent contraction of the SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses in convalescent individuals.
J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob
; 1(3): 112-121, 2022 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2049362
ABSTRACT
Background:
Adaptive immunity in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is decisive for disease control. Delayed activation of T cells is associated with a worse outcome in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although convalescent individuals exhibit solid T-cell immunity, to date, long-term immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is still under investigation.Objectives:
We aimed to characterize the specific T-cell response on the basis of the in vitro recall of IFN-γ-producing cells to in silico-predicted peptides in samples from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent individuals.Methods:
The sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome was screened, leading to the identification of specific and promiscuous peptides predicted to be recognized by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Next, we performed an in vitro recall of specific T cells from PBMC samples from the participants. The results were analyzed according to clinical features of the cohort and HLA diversity.Results:
Our results indicated heterogeneous T-cell responsiveness among the participants. Compared with patients who exhibited mild symptoms, hospitalized patients had a significantly higher magnitude of response. In addition, male and older patients showed a lower number of IFN-γ-producing cells. Analysis of samples collected after 180 days revealed a reduction in the number of specific circulating IFN-γ-producing T cells, suggesting decreased immunity against viral peptides.Conclusion:
Our data are evidence that in silico-predicted peptides are highly recognized by T cells from convalescent individuals, suggesting a possible application for vaccine design. However, the number of specific T cells decreases 180 days after infection, which might be associated with reduced protection against reinfection over time.
AIM, Activation-induced marker; COVID-19; COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019; DMSO, Dimethyl sulfoxide; ELISPOT, Enzyme-linked immunospot; OR, Odds ratio; SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; SFU, Spot-forming unit; T lymphocyte; VOC, Variant of concern; adaptive immunity
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Topics:
Long Covid
/
Vaccines
Language:
English
Journal:
J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.jacig.2022.05.002
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