Decreased levels and function of dendritic cells in blood and airways predict COVID-19 severity.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) are essential players in the immune response to infections, involved in shaping innate and adaptive immunity. However, a complete understanding of their specific roles in respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2, remains elusive.

Methods

To investigate the dynamics of monocytes and DCs in blood as well as the upper and lower airways, we sampled 147 patients with varying degree of COVID-19 severity longitudinally during the spring of 2020.

Results

Using flow cytometry, proteomics and in vitro TLR stimulation, we found differences in the distribution and function of monocytes and DCs in patients compared with controls, and importantly, reduced levels of DCs in both blood and airways. In fact, lower frequencies of

SUBMITTER: Osterberg B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11873541 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature