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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.03.05.641671

Unveiling the Immune Landscape of COVID-19 and prolonged Long-COVID through Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Springe, M. L.·Vaivode, K.·Saksis, R.·Vainselbauma, N. M.·Ansone, L.·Briviba, M.·Niedra, H.·Rovite, V.
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Abstract

Long-COVID affects at least 10% of COVID-19 survivors, displaying debilitating symptoms across multiple organ systems. Despite the increasing prevalence, the underlying causes remain unclear. This study presents a unique analysis of the PBMC transcriptomic landscape of COVID-19 and Long-COVID patients at a single-cell resolution. We reconstructed the cell state and communication using differentially expressed gene profiling and ligand-receptor interaction analyses. Our results reveal altered T and NK cell subset proportions, diminished proliferating lymphocyte and B cell signalling capacity, and the expression of exhaustion and cytotoxicity associated genes 1.5 - 2 years post-infection, suggesting incomplete immune recovery. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the immune processes underlying the progression of COVID-19 into a chronic Long-COVID state.

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Springe, M. L., Vaivode, K., Saksis, R., Vainselbauma, N. M., Ansone, L., Briviba, M., Niedra, H., Rovite, V.. 2025-03-11. Unveiling the Immune Landscape of COVID-19 and prolonged Long-COVID through Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.05.641671

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