Characteristic immune cell interactions in livers of children with acute hepatitis revealed by spatial single-cell analysis identify a possible postacute sequel of COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A rise in paediatric cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin (AHUO) was observed in 2022, some requiring liver transplantation. A link to adeno-associated virus 2 infection and CD4⁺T-cell mediated disease was reported in cohorts in the UK and USA but does not explain all cases.

Objective

To determine the intrahepatic immune cell interactions in the inflamed liver and a possible contribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Design

Patients with acute non-A non-E hepatitis (10/12 AHUO, 2/12 subacute) during February 2022-December 2022 undergoing liver biopsy were recruited in a European patient cohort. Hepatological, virological, histopathological and highly multiplexed spatial and single-cell analyses of liver biopsies were performed.

Results

Pa

SUBMITTER: Rottele F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12421094 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature