Distinct T cell polyfunctional profile in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative children associated with endemic human coronavirus cross-reactivity.

ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2 infection in children typically results in asymptomatic or mild disease. There is a paucity of studies on SARS-CoV-2 antiviral immunity in African children. We investigated SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in 71 unvaccinated asymptomatic South African children who were seropositive or seronegative for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4⁺ T cell responses were detectable in 83% of seropositive and 60% of seronegative children. Although the magnitude of the CD4⁺ T cell response did not differ significantly between the two groups, their functional profiles were distinct, with SARS-CoV-2 seropositive children exhibiting a higher proportion of polyfunctional T cells compared to their seronegative counterparts. The frequency of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4^+</

SUBMITTER: Benede N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10792240 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature