biostudies-literatureSchub DDr. Rolf M. Schwiete StiftungUniversität des SaarlandesState of Saarland142167https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7605520biostudies-literatureUnknown5(20)BACKGROUNDPatients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) differ in the severity of disease. We hypothesized that characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity correlate with disease severity.METHODSIn this study, SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells and antibodies were characterized in uninfected controls and patients with different coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease severity. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were flow cytometrically quantified after stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools and analyzed for expression of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α) and markers for activation, proliferation, and functional anergy. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgA antibodies were quantified using ELISA. Moreover, global characteristics of lymphocyte subpopulations werJCI insightHigh levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells with restricted functionality in severe courses of COVID-19.PMC7605520no numberSester MSchub DKlemis VBals RSchneitler SSester ULepper PMMihm JWilkens HEichler HSchmidt TGartner BCBecker SLfalseHigh levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells with restricted functionality in severe courses of COVID-19.BACKGROUNDPatients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) differ in the severity of disease. We hypothesized that characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity correlate with disease severity.METHODSIn this study, SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells and antibodies were characterized in uninfected controls and patients with different coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease severity. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were flow cytometrically quantified after stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools and analyzed for expression of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α) and markers for activation, proliferation, and functional anergy. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgA antibodies were quantified using ELISA. Moreover, global characteristics of lymphocyte subpopulations wer2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Oct2025-06-01T03:53:20.838Z2025-06-01T03:53:20.838ZS-EPMC76055203293761510.1172/jci.insight.142167