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Springer, Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2023

DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01459-x

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Neutrophil Activation and Immune Thrombosis Profiles Persist in Convalescent COVID-19

Journal article published in 2023 by Hakim Hocini, Aurélie Wiedemann, Fabiola Blengio, Cécile Lefebvre, Minerva Cervantes-Gonzalez, Emile Foucat, Pascaline Tisserand, Mathieu Surenaud, Séverin Coléon, Mélanie Prague, Lydia Guillaumat, Corinne Krief, Craig Fenwick ORCID, Cédric Laouénan, Lila Bouadma and other authors.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Abstract Purpose Following a severe COVID-19 infection, a proportion of individuals develop prolonged symptoms. We investigated the immunological dysfunction that underlies the persistence of symptoms months after the resolution of acute COVID-19. Methods We analyzed cytokines, cell phenotypes, SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific and neutralizing antibodies, and whole blood gene expression profiles in convalescent severe COVID-19 patients 1, 3, and 6 months following hospital discharge. Results We observed persistent abnormalities until month 6 marked by (i) high serum levels of monocyte/macrophage and endothelial activation markers, chemotaxis, and hematopoietic cytokines; (ii) a high frequency of central memory CD4+ and effector CD8+ T cells; (iii) a decrease in anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike and neutralizing antibodies; and (iv) an upregulation of genes related to platelet, neutrophil activation, erythrocytes, myeloid cell differentiation, and RUNX1 signaling. We identified a “core gene signature” associated with a history of thrombotic events, with upregulation of a set of genes involved in neutrophil activation, platelet, hematopoiesis, and blood coagulation. Conclusion The lack of restoration of gene expression to a normal profile after up to 6 months of follow-up, even in asymptomatic patients who experienced severe COVID-19, signals the need to carefully extend their clinical follow-up and propose preventive measures.