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Wang X, Zhu Y, Liu D, Zhu L, Tong J, Zheng C. Can COVID-19 Increase Platelet in Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia During the TPO-RA Administration? A Real-World Observational Study. J Blood Med 2024; 15:217-225. [PMID: 38737581 PMCID: PMC11088401 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s457545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 infection has brought new challenges to the treatment of adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In adult ITP patients, there have been no relevant reports exploring the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of platelet elevation after COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods A total of 66 patients with previously diagnosed ITP from December 2022 to February 2023 in a single-center were collected and analyzed for this real-world clinical retrospective observational study. Results In the platelet count increased group (n = 19), 13 patients (68.4%) were using thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RA) treatment at the time of COVID-19 infection; the median platelet count was 52 (2-207) ×109/L at the last visit before infection and 108 (19-453) ×109/L at the first visit after infection. In the platelet count stable group (n = 19) and platelet count decreased group (n = 28), 9 (47.4%) and 8 (28.6%) patients were using TPO-RA at the time of infection, respectively. ITP patients treated with TPO-RA had a significantly higher risk of increased platelet count than those not treated with TPO-RA at the time of infection (platelet count increased group vs platelet count decreased group: OR: 5.745, p = 0.009; platelet count increased group vs the non-increased group: OR: 3.616, p = 0.031). In the platelet count increased group, the median platelet count at 6 months post-infection was 67 (14-235) × 109/L, which was significantly higher than the platelet level at the last visit before infection (p = 0.040). Conclusion This study showed that some adult ITP patients had an increase in platelet count after COVID-19 infection, and this phenomenon was strongly associated with the use of TPO-RA at the time of infection. Although no thrombotic events were observed in this study, it reminds clinicians that they should be alert to the possibility of thrombotic events in the long-term management of adult ITP patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingqiao Zhu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Tong
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changcheng Zheng
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Omar MA, El Hawary R, Eldash A, Sadek KM, Soliman NA, Hanna MOF, Shawky SM. Neutrophilic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Severity in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Lab Med 2024; 55:153-161. [PMID: 37352143 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While we strive to live with SARS-CoV-2, defining the immune response that leads to recovery rather than severe disease remains highly important. COVID-19 has been associated with inflammation and a profoundly suppressed immune response. OBJECTIVE To study myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are potent immunosuppressive cells, in SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS Patients with severe and critical COVID-19 showed higher frequencies of neutrophilic (PMN)-MDSCs than patients with moderate illness and control individuals (P = .005). Severe disease in individuals older and younger than 60 years was associated with distinct PMN-MDSC frequencies, being predominantly higher in patients of 60 years of age and younger (P = .004). However, both age groups showed comparable inflammatory markers. In our analysis for the prediction of poor outcome during hospitalization, MDSCs were not associated with increased risk of death. Still, patients older than 60 years of age (odds ratio [OR] = 5.625; P = .02) with preexisting medical conditions (OR = 2.818; P = .003) showed more severe disease and worse outcome. Among the immunological parameters, increased C-reactive protein (OR = 1.015; P = .04) and lymphopenia (OR = 5.958; P = .04) strongly identified patients with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION PMN-MDSCs are associated with disease severity in COVID-19; however, MDSC levels do not predict increased risk of death during hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A Omar
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rabab El Hawary
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alia Eldash
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Sadek
- Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Shereen M Shawky
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Seyedmirzaei H, Salabat D, KamaliZonouzi S, Teixeira AL, Rezaei N. Risk of MS relapse and deterioration after COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 83:105472. [PMID: 38316078 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper respiratory viral infections have long been considered triggers for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and exacerbation. The possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on MS relapse and deterioration remain controversial. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to find relevant studies assessing changes in relapse rates or Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) following COVID-19 in people with MS. Meta-analyses were performed, and to investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. RESULTS We included 14 studies in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that COVID-19 was not associated with a rise in relapse rate (risk ratio (RR): 0.97, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.67, 1.41, p-value: 0.87) or a rise in EDSS (standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.09, 95 % CI: -0.22, 0.03, p-value: 0.13). The analysis of EDSS changes indicated a significant heterogeneity (I2: 55 %, p-value: 0.01). Other analyses were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 infection was not associated with an increased risk of relapse and clinical deterioration in people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Seyedmirzaei
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Program (INRP), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dorsa Salabat
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara KamaliZonouzi
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Antônio L Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Quincho-Lopez A, Poma N, José Montenegro-Idrogo J. COVID-19 associated with cryptococcosis: a scoping review. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241232851. [PMID: 38361915 PMCID: PMC10868154 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241232851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is growing evidence of fungal infections associated with COVID-19. The development of cryptococcosis in these patients has been infrequently reported. However, it can be life-threatening. Objective To identify cases of COVID-19 patients who developed cryptococcosis and to compare baseline characteristics and management between those who survived and those who died. Methods We conducted a scoping review using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase to identify studies that reported patients with COVID-19 and cryptococcosis. No language restriction was applied. Single case reports, case series, and original articles were included. It is important to note that 'n' refers to the total number of individuals with the specified variable. Results A total of 58 studies were included. Among these studies, 51 included individual patient data, detailing information on a total of 65 patients, whereas eight studies reported the proportion of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients. One study provided both individual and aggregate case information. From individual patient data, the majority were male (73.9%; n = 48) with a median age of 60 years (range: 53-70). Severe COVID-19 and multiple comorbidities, led by arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were frequently reported, but few had classic immunosuppression factors. On the other hand, HIV status, either negative or positive, was reported in just over half of the patients (61.5%; n = 40). Most were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (58.5%; n = 31), received mechanical ventilation (MV) (50.0%; n = 26), and developed disseminated cryptococcosis (55.4%; n = 36). Secondary infection, mainly bacterial, was reported in 19 patients (29.2%). Mortality was 47.7% (n = 31). Of the studies that reported the proportion of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 cases, the majority were descriptive studies published as conference abstracts. Conclusion Cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients has been reported more frequently. However, it is still not as common as other fungal infections associated with COVID-19. Few patients have some classic immunosuppression factors. The factors associated with mortality were male sex, age, ICU admission, MV, secondary infections, and lymphopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Quincho-Lopez
- Unidad de Investigación en Bibliometría, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Nuvith Poma
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan José Montenegro-Idrogo
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Service, Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, Lima, Peru
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
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5
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Valdes Angues R, Perea Bustos Y. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and the Multi-Hit Hypothesis of Oncogenesis. Cureus 2023; 15:e50703. [PMID: 38234925 PMCID: PMC10792266 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease. The "hallmarks of cancer" were proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg (2000) as a group of biological competencies that human cells attain as they progress from normalcy to neoplastic transformation. These competencies include self-sufficiency in proliferative signaling, insensitivity to growth-suppressive signals and immune surveillance, the ability to evade cell death, enabling replicative immortality, reprogramming energy metabolism, inducing angiogenesis, and activating tissue invasion and metastasis. Underlying these competencies are genome instability, which expedites their acquisition, and inflammation, which fosters their function(s). Additionally, cancer exhibits another dimension of complexity: a heterogeneous repertoire of infiltrating and resident host cells, secreted factors, and extracellular matrix, known as the tumor microenvironment, that through a dynamic and reciprocal relationship with cancer cells supports immortality, local invasion, and metastatic dissemination. This staggering intricacy calls for caution when advising all people with cancer (or a previous history of cancer) to receive the COVID-19 primary vaccine series plus additional booster doses. Moreover, because these patients were not included in the pivotal clinical trials, considerable uncertainty remains regarding vaccine efficacy, safety, and the risk of interactions with anticancer therapies, which could reduce the value and innocuity of either medical treatment. After reviewing the available literature, we are particularly concerned that certain COVID-19 vaccines may generate a pro-tumorigenic milieu (i.e., a specific environment that could lead to neoplastic transformation) that predisposes some (stable) oncologic patients and survivors to cancer progression, recurrence, and/or metastasis. This hypothesis is based on biological plausibility and fulfillment of the multi-hit hypothesis of oncogenesis (i.e., induction of lymphopenia and inflammation, downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression, activation of oncogenic cascades, sequestration of tumor suppressor proteins, dysregulation of the RNA-G quadruplex-protein binding system, alteration of type I interferon responses, unsilencing of retrotransposable elements, etc.) together with growing evidence and safety reports filed to Vaccine Adverse Effects Report System (VAERS) suggesting that some cancer patients experienced disease exacerbation or recurrence following COVID-19 vaccination. In light of the above and because some of these concerns (i.e., alteration of oncogenic pathways, promotion of inflammatory cascades, and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system) also apply to cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, we encourage the scientific and medical community to urgently evaluate the impact of both COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on cancer biology and tumor registries, adjusting public health recommendations accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Valdes Angues
- Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, Portland, USA
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Guo BC, Wu KH, Chen CY, Lin WY, Chang YJ, Lee TA, Lin MJ, Wu HP. Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14800. [PMID: 37834246 PMCID: PMC10573267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many lives have been tragically lost to severe infections. The COVID-19 impact extends beyond the respiratory system, affecting various organs and functions. In severe cases, it can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure, often fueled by an excessive immune response known as a cytokine storm. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have considerable potential because they can mitigate inflammation, modulate immune responses, and promote tissue regeneration. Accumulating evidence underscores the efficacy and safety of MSCs in treating severe COVID-19 and ARDS. Nonetheless, critical aspects, such as optimal routes of MSC administration, appropriate dosage, treatment intervals, management of extrapulmonary complications, and potential pediatric applications, warrant further exploration. These research avenues hold promise for enriching our understanding and refining the application of MSCs in confronting the multifaceted challenges posed by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-Cyuan Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan;
| | - Kang-Hsi Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tungs’ Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung 43503, Taiwan;
- Department of Nursing, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 35664, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ya Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 43503, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jun Chang
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biostastics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan;
| | - Tai-An Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 50544, Taiwan;
| | - Mao-Jen Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung 42743, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ping Wu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
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7
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Sweet DR, Freeman ML, Zidar DA. Immunohematologic Biomarkers in COVID-19: Insights into Pathogenesis, Prognosis, and Prevention. Pathog Immun 2023; 8:17-50. [PMID: 37427016 PMCID: PMC10324469 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v8i1.572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had profound effects on the health of individuals and on healthcare systems worldwide. While healthcare workers on the frontlines have fought to quell multiple waves of infection, the efforts of the larger research community have changed the arch of this pandemic as well. This review will focus on biomarker discovery and other efforts to identify features that predict outcomes, and in so doing, identify possible effector and passenger mechanisms of adverse outcomes. Identifying measurable soluble factors, cell-types, and clinical parameters that predict a patient's disease course will have a legacy for the study of immunologic responses, especially stimuli, which induce an overactive, yet ineffectual immune system. As prognostic biomarkers were identified, some have served to represent pathways of therapeutic interest in clinical trials. The pandemic conditions have created urgency for accelerated target identification and validation. Collectively, these COVID-19 studies of biomarkers, disease outcomes, and therapeutic efficacy have revealed that immunologic systems and responses to stimuli are more heterogeneous than previously assumed. Understanding the genetic and acquired features that mediate divergent immunologic outcomes in response to this global exposure is ongoing and will ultimately improve our preparedness for future pandemics, as well as impact preventive approaches to other immunologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Sweet
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Michael L. Freeman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - David A. Zidar
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Cardiology Section, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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8
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Méndez-García LA, Solleiro-Villavicencio H, Guartazaca-Guerrero S, Rodríguez-Morales J, Carrillo-Ruiz JD. Neurological Diseases Define the Cytokine Profile in CFS during SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Highly Ill Patients. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:290. [PMID: 37368708 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is critical in developing and progressing neurological diseases. The underlying pro-inflammatory cytokine expression combined with additional mechanisms in the neuropathology, such as oxidative stress, brain-blood barrier damage, and endothelial dysfunction, could contribute to the susceptibility to developing severe COVID-19. The physiopathology of SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses (H-CoVs) has not been completely understood; however, they have all been linked to a disproportionated response of the immune system, particularly an exacerbated cytokine production and the dysregulation of total cell counts. In this article, based on the compilation of studies reported by our working group regarding COVID-19 and neurological diseases, we propose that the inflammation observed in the central nervous system, through a CSF analysis, could be conditioned by neurological disease(s) and enhanced by COVID-19. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the cytokine profile in different neurological disorders to propose adequate treatments and avoid severe forms of the disease in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Angélica Méndez-García
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jahir Rodríguez-Morales
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit, General Hospital of Mexico "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - José Damián Carrillo-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City 06720, Mexico
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit, General Hospital of Mexico "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City 06720, Mexico
- Coordination of Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Mexico Anahuac University, Mexico City 52786, Mexico
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9
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Huamani-Córdova JM, Hueda-Zavaleta M, Vargas-Bellina V, Simbron-Ribbeck L, Chong-Chinchay KDR, Gómez de la Torre JC, Benítes-Zapata VA. Cerebral Cryptococcosis Associated with CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia in Non-HIV Patients after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Case Series in a Specialized Institute in Lima, Peru. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030182. [PMID: 36977183 PMCID: PMC10056744 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cases of cryptococcosis have been reported in patients with COVID-19. The majority are in patients with severe symptoms or who received immunosuppressants. However, there is still no clear association between COVID-19 and cryptococcosis. We report eight cases of cerebral cryptococcosis associated with CD4+ T lymphocytopenia in non-HIV patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The median age was 57 years and 5/8 were male. In addition, 2/8 of patients had diabetes, and 8/8 had a history of mild COVID-19, with a median of 75 days before diagnosis of cerebral cryptococcosis. All patients denied having received prior immunosuppressive therapy. The most frequent symptoms were confusion (8/8), headache (7/8), vomiting (6/8), and nausea (6/8) All patients were diagnosed by isolating Cryptococcus in cerebrospinal fluid. The median CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were 247 and 173.5, respectively. Other causes of immunosuppression, such as HIV or HTLV infection, were excluded in all patients. Finally, three patients died, and one presented long-term visual and auditory sequelae. The CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte count normalized during follow-up in those patients who survived. We hypothesize that CD4+ T lymphocytopenia in the patients in this case series could increase the risk of cryptococcosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Hueda-Zavaleta
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada de Tacna, Tacna 23003, Peru;
- Hospital III Daniel Alcides Carrión—Essalud, Tacna 23000, Peru
| | | | | | | | | | - Vicente A. Benítes-Zapata
- Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima 15024, Peru
- Correspondence:
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10
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CD4+ T Cell Regulatory Network Underlies the Decrease in Th1 and the Increase in Anergic and Th17 Subsets in Severe COVID-19. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010018. [PMID: 36678366 PMCID: PMC9865341 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this model we use a dynamic and multistable Boolean regulatory network to provide a mechanistic explanation of the lymphopenia and dysregulation of CD4+ T cell subsets in COVID-19 and provide therapeutic targets. Using a previous model, the cytokine micro-environments found in mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 with and without TGF-β and IL-10 was we simulated. It shows that as the severity of the disease increases, the number of antiviral Th1 cells decreases, while the the number of Th1-like regulatory and exhausted cells and the proportion between Th1 and Th1R cells increases. The addition of the regulatory cytokines TFG-β and IL-10 makes the Th1 attractor unstable and favors the Th17 and regulatory subsets. This is associated with the contradictory signals in the micro-environment that activate SOCS proteins that block the signaling pathways. Furthermore, it determined four possible therapeutic targets that increase the Th1 compartment in severe COVID-19: the activation of the IFN-γ pathway, or the inhibition of TGF-β or IL-10 pathways or SOCS1 protein; from these, inhibiting SOCS1 has the lowest number of predicted collateral effects. Finally, a tool is provided that allows simulations of specific cytokine environments and predictions of CD4 T cell subsets and possible interventions, as well as associated secondary effects.
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11
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T cell dysregulation in inflammatory diseases in ICU. Intensive Care Med Exp 2022; 10:43. [PMID: 36279072 PMCID: PMC9590394 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-022-00471-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe inflammatory diseases, including sepsis, are characterized by an impaired host adaptive and innate immunity which results in immunosuppression, responsible for secondary infections and increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. T cells are major actors of the immune system. During post-aggressive immunosuppression, lymphopenia, reduction of innate T cells, changes in T helper cell polarization and regulatory T cell increase are observed. The main mechanisms involved in T cell dysregulation are T cell apoptosis, autophagy deficiency, T cell anergy, T cell exhaustion and T cell metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we describe the alterations of T cell regulation, their mechanisms, and their association with clinical outcomes in severe inflammatory diseases, foremost of which is the sepsis. This review focuses on the alterations of T cell regulation and their mechanisms in severe inflammatory ICU diseases. Lymphopenia, reduction of innate T cells, changes in T helper cell polarization and regulatory T cell increase contribute to secondary immunosuppression in ICU patients.
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hongbo Chi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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13
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Govender M, Hopkins FR, Göransson R, Svanberg C, Shankar EM, Hjorth M, Nilsdotter-Augustinsson Å, Sjöwall J, Nyström S, Larsson M. T cell perturbations persist for at least 6 months following hospitalization for COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:931039. [PMID: 36003367 PMCID: PMC9393525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.931039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is being extensively studied, and much remains unknown regarding the long-term consequences of the disease on immune cells. The different arms of the immune system are interlinked, with humoral responses and the production of high-affinity antibodies being largely dependent on T cell immunity. Here, we longitudinally explored the effect COVID-19 has on T cell populations and the virus-specific T cells, as well as neutralizing antibody responses, for 6-7 months following hospitalization. The CD8+ TEMRA and exhausted CD57+ CD8+ T cells were markedly affected with elevated levels that lasted long into convalescence. Further, markers associated with T cell activation were upregulated at inclusion, and in the case of CD69+ CD4+ T cells this lasted all through the study duration. The levels of T cells expressing negative immune checkpoint molecules were increased in COVID-19 patients and sustained for a prolonged duration following recovery. Within 2-3 weeks after symptom onset, all COVID-19 patients developed anti-nucleocapsid IgG and spike-neutralizing IgG as well as SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses. In addition, we found alterations in follicular T helper (TFH) cell populations, such as enhanced TFH-TH2 following recovery from COVID-19. Our study revealed significant and long-term alterations in T cell populations and key events associated with COVID-19 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Govender
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Francis R. Hopkins
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robin Göransson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Svanberg
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Esaki M. Shankar
- Infection Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Maria Hjorth
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa Nilsdotter-Augustinsson
- Divison of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johanna Sjöwall
- Divison of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sofia Nyström
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marie Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Marie Larsson,
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14
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T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals. J Microbiol 2022; 60:276-289. [PMID: 35157219 PMCID: PMC8852923 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1624-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, first emerged in 2019. Antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 have been given a lot of attention. However, the armamentarium of humoral and T cells may have differing roles in different viral infections. Though the exact role of T cells in COVID-19 remains to be elucidated, prior experience with human coronavirus has revealed an essential role of T cells in the outcomes of viral infections. Moreover, an increasing body of evidence suggests that T cells might be effective against SARS-CoV-2. This review summarizes the role of T cells in mouse CoV, human pathogenic respiratory CoV in general and SARS-CoV-2 in specific.
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