Epigenetic liquid biopsies reveal endothelial turnover and erythropoiesis in asymptomatic COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the full spectrum of tissues affected by SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for deciphering the heterogeneous clinical course of COVID-19. We analyzed DNA methylation and histone modifications in circulating chromatin to assess cell type-specific turnover in patients ranging from asymptomatic to severe cases, in relation to clinical outcomes. Severe COVID-19 was marked by a massive elevation of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from lung epithelium, cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelium, and erythroblasts, indicating increased cell death or turnover. The immune response was reflected by elevated B-cell and monocyte/macrophage cfDNA and an interferon response before cfDNA release. Strikingly, monocyte/macrophage cfDNA (but not monocyte counts), as well as lung epithelial and endothelial cfD

SUBMITTER: Ben-Ami R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12326330 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature