COVID-19 and the immune system

Physiol Res. 2020 Jul 16;69(3):379-388. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.934492. Epub 2020 May 29.

Abstract

A close interaction between the virus SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system of an individual results in a diverse clinical manifestation of the COVID-19 disease. While adaptive immune responses are essential for SARS-CoV-2 virus clearance, the innate immune cells, such as macrophages, may contribute, in some cases, to the disease progression. Macrophages have shown a significant production of IL-6, suggesting they may contribute to the excessive inflammation in COVID-19 disease. Macrophage Activation Syndrome may further explain the high serum levels of CRP, which are normally lacking in viral infections. In adaptive immune responses, it has been revealed that cytotoxic CD8+ T cells exhibit functional exhaustion patterns, such as the expression of NKG2A, PD-1, and TIM-3. Since SARS-CoV-2 restrains antigen presentation by downregulating MHC class I and II molecules and, therefore, inhibits the T cell-mediated immune responses, humoral immune responses also play a substantial role. Specific IgA response appears to be stronger and more persistent than the IgM response. Moreover, IgM and IgG antibodies show similar dynamics in COVID-19 disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Betacoronavirus / immunology*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Viral Vaccines

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Viral Vaccines