The immunology and immunopathology of COVID-19

Science. 2022 Mar 11;375(6585):1122-1127. doi: 10.1126/science.abm8108. Epub 2022 Mar 10.

Abstract

Considerable research effort has been made worldwide to decipher the immune response triggered upon severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, identify the drivers of severe and fatal COVID-19, and understand what leads to the prolongation of symptoms after disease resolution. We review the results of almost 2 years of COVID-19 immunology research and discuss definitive findings and remaining questions regarding our understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology. We discuss emerging understanding of differences in immune responses seen in those with and without Long Covid syndrome, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. We hope that the knowledge gained from this COVID-19 research will be applied in studies of inflammatory processes involved in critical and chronic illnesses, which remain a major unmet need.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / physiopathology
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammation
  • Male
  • Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antiviral Agents