Increase of mast cells in COVID-19 pneumonia may contribute to pulmonary fibrosis and thrombosis.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Lung tissue from COVID-19 patients shares similar histomorphological features with chronic lung allograft disease, also suggesting activation of autoimmune-related pathways in COVID-19. To more clearly understand the underlying spectrum of pathophysiology in COVID-19 pneumonia, we analysed mRNA expression of autoimmune-related genes in post-mortem lung tissue from COVID-19 patients.

Methods and results

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung tissue samples of 18 COVID-19 patients and eight influenza patients were used for targeted gene expression profiling using NanoString technology. Multiplex immunofluorescence for tryptase and chymase was applied for validation. Genes related to mast cells were significantly increased in COVID-19. This finding was strengthened by mult

SUBMITTER: Wismans LV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9877713 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature