Human small intestinal infection by SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by a mucosal infiltration with activated CD8⁺ T cells.

ABSTRACT: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has so far claimed over three and a half million lives worldwide. Though the SARS-CoV-2 mediated disease COVID-19 has first been characterized by an infection of the upper airways and the lung, recent evidence suggests a complex disease including gastrointestinal symptoms. Even if a direct viral tropism of intestinal cells has recently been demonstrated, it remains unclear, whether gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by direct infection of the gastrointestinal tract by SARS-CoV-2 or whether they are a consequence of a systemic immune activation and subsequent modulation of the mucosal immune system. To better understand the cause of intestinal symptoms we analyzed biopsies of the small intestine from SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Applying qRT-PCR and immunohisto

SUBMITTER: Lehmann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8379580 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature