SARS-CoV-2 induces robust germinal center CD4 T follicular helper cell responses in rhesus macaques.

ABSTRACT: CD4 T follicular helper (T_fh) cells are important for the generation of durable and specific humoral protection against viral infections. The degree to which SARS-CoV-2 infection generates T_fh cells and stimulates the germinal center (GC) response is an important question as we investigate vaccine induced immunity against COVID-19. Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques, either infused with convalescent plasma, normal plasma, or receiving no infusion, resulted in transient accumulation of pro-inflammatory monocytes and proliferating T_fh cells with a T_h1 profile in peripheral blood. CD4 helper cell responses skewed predominantly toward a T_h1 response in blood, lung, and lymph nodes. SARS-CoV-2 Infection induced GC

SUBMITTER: Shaan Lakshmanappa Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7822826 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature