Divergent SARS-CoV-2-specific T and B cell responses in severe but not mild COVID-19

Oja, A. E.; Saris, A.; Ghandour, C. A.; Kragten, N. A. M.; Hogema, B. M.; Nossent, E. J.; Heunks, L. M. A.; Cuvalay, S.; Slot, E.; Swaneveld, F. H.; Vrielink, H.; Rispens, T.; van der Schoot, E.; van Lier, R. A. W.; Ten Brinke, A.; Hombrink, P.

doi:10.1101/2020.06.18.159202

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.06.18.159202

Divergent SARS-CoV-2-specific T and B cell responses in severe but not mild COVID-19

Oja, A. E.·Saris, A.·Ghandour, C. A.·Kragten, N. A. M.·Hogema, B. M.·Nossent, E. J.·Heunks, L. M. A.·Cuvalay, S.·Slot, E.·Swaneveld, F. H.·Vrielink, H.·Rispens, T.·van der Schoot, E.·van Lier, R. A. W.·Ten Brinke, A.·Hombrink, P.

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Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding both the immunological processes providing specific immunity and potential immunopathology underlying the pathogenesis of this disease may provide valuable insights for potential therapeutic interventions. Here, we quantified SARS-CoV-2 specific immune responses in patients with different clinical courses. Compared to individuals with a mild clinical presentation, CD4+ T cell responses were qualitatively impaired in critically ill patients. Strikingly, however, in these patients the specific IgG antibody response was remarkably strong. The observed disparate T and B cell responses could be indicative of a deregulated immune response in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

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Oja, A. E., Saris, A., Ghandour, C. A., Kragten, N. A. M., Hogema, B. M., Nossent, E. J., Heunks, L. M. A., Cuvalay, S., Slot, E., Swaneveld, F. H., Vrielink, H., Rispens, T., van der Schoot, E., van Lier, R. A. W., Ten Brinke, A., Hombrink, P.. 2020-06-18. Divergent SARS-CoV-2-specific T and B cell responses in severe but not mild COVID-19. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.18.159202

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