Differential decline of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels, innate and adaptive immune cells, and shift of Th1/ inflammatory to Th2 serum cytokine levels long after first COVID-19

by admin | Jul 14, 2024 | Evidence-Based Research in Western Medicine Clinical Practice, Scientific reports, Virology, Pathophysiology

By

Bernhard Kratzer et al.

Source Wiley

Abstract

Background

SARS-CoV-2 has triggered a pandemic and contributes to long-lasting morbidity. Several studies have investigated immediate cellular and humoral immune responses during acute infection. However, little is known about long-term effects of COVID-19 on the immune system.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal investigation of cellular and humoral immune parameters in 106 non-vaccinated subjects ten weeks (10 w) and ten months (10 m) after their first SARS-CoV-2 infection. Peripheral blood immune cells were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry, serum cytokines were examined by multiplex technology. Antibodies specific for the Spike protein (S), the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the nucleocapsid protein (NC) were determined. All parameters measured 10 w and 10 m after infection were compared with those of a matched, noninfected control group (n = 98).