Human immune response to SARS-CoV-2: What is known? A scoping review

Abstract

Monitoring literature on the broad spectrum of the human immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is important to understand the mechanisms and progression of COVID-19. The present study undertakes a scoping review of the literature on human immune response to SARS-CoV-2 to determine the characteristics of innate and adaptive responses, as well as biomarkers and cells that play a role in the development of the infection. We searched papers in MEDLINE/PUBMED and EMBASE databases published since December 1st 2019 to to April 9th 2020 from which we selected 56 for this study. We found that the immune response is characterized by high levels of acute phase reactants, neutrophilia, low levels of NKs and eosinophils, lymphopenia, cytokine storm syndrome, exhausted T cells, impaired cytotoxic response, inadequate helper response and production of specific antibodies; concluding that immune dysregulation correlates with disease severity and high mortality.Respuesta inmune humana al SARS-CoV-2: ¿Qué se conoce? Una scoping review. ResumenEl seguimiento de la literatura sobre la respuesta inmune humana al SARS-CoV-2 es importante para comprender los mecanismos y la progresión de COVID-19. En el presente estudio se realizó un Scoping Review de la literatura sobre la respuesta inmune humana al SARS-CoV-2 para determinar las características de la respuesta inmune innata y adaptativa, así como biomarcadores y células que juegan un papel en el desarrollo de la infección. Buscamos artículos en las bases de datos MEDLINE / PUBMED y EMBASE publicados desde el 1 de diciembre de 2019 hasta el 9 de abril de 2020, de los cuales seleccionamos 56 publicaciones para este estudio. Encontramos que la respuesta inmune se caracteriza por altos niveles de reactantes de fase aguda, neutrofilia, bajos niveles de NKs y eosinófilos, linfopenia, síndrome de tormenta de citoquinas, linfocitos T agotados, respuesta citotóxica alterada, respuesta T helper inadecuada y producción de anticuerpos específicos. En conclusión, el desequilibrio inmune se correlaciona con la severidad y la mortalidad de la enfermedad.

Forthcoming complications in recovered COVID-19 patients with COPD and asthma; possible therapeutic opportunities

“…An increase in type I IFN appears to eliminate internalized viruses. While the suppression of IFNs can trigger overproduction of cytokines and causes cytokine storm syndrome [ 30 ]. It is important to keep in mind that during this phenomenon an array of several cytokines like IL-1, -6, -17, -21, and -22, and TNF-α is released.…”

“…In the latter infection stages, the elevation of these mediators recruits further neutrophils and macrophages via the modulation of CD4+ Th1cells activity. The continuity of these responses makes breathing difficult with remarkable hypoxemia and coughing [ 30 , 31 ]. Local production of cytokines and continuous recruitment of immune cells into the infected sites lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and organ failure.…”