Cellular immune states in SARS-CoV-2-induced disease

Front Immunol. 2022 Nov 23:13:1016304. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016304. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

The general immune state plays important roles against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Cells of the immune system are encountering rapid changes during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2-induced disease. Reduced fraction of functional CD8+ T cells, disrupted cross-talking between CD8+ T cells with dendritic cells (DCs), and impaired immunological T-cell memory, along with the higher presence of hyperactive neutrophils, high expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and non-classical monocytes, and attenuated cytotoxic capacity of natural killer (NK) cells, are all indicative of low efficient immunity against viral surge within the body. Immune state and responses from pro- or anti-inflammatory cells of the immune system to SARS-CoV-2 are discussed in this review. We also suggest some strategies to enhance the power of immune system against SARS-CoV-2-induced disease.

Keywords: CD8+ T cell; SARS-CoV-2; dendritic cell (DC); immunity; monocyte; myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC); neutrophil; regulatory T cell (Treg).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Killer Cells, Natural
  • SARS-CoV-2*