Elevated levels of cell-free NKG2D-ligands modulate NKG2D surface expression and compromise NK cell function in severe COVID-19 disease.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

It is now clear that coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) severity is associated with a dysregulated immune response, but the relative contributions of different immune cells is still not fully understood. SARS CoV-2 infection triggers marked changes in NK cell populations, but there are contradictory reports as to whether these effector lymphocytes play a protective or pathogenic role in immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

To address this question we have analysed differences in the phenotype and function of NK cells in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals who developed either very mild, or life-threatening COVID-19 disease.

Results

Although NK cells from patients with severe disease appeared more activated and the frequency of adaptive NK cells was increased, they

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Soto D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10895954 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature