Functional responsiveness of memory T cells from COVID-19 patients

Tavukcuoglu E., Horzum U., İNKAYA A. Ç., ÜNAL S., ESENDAĞLI G.

CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY, vol.365, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 365
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104363
  • Journal Name: CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Central memory T cells, Effector memory T cells, Spike S1 glycoprotein, Dendritic cell, Helper T cells, Cytotoxic T lymphocytes
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The presence of memory T cells in COVID-19 patients has been acknowledged, however the functional potency of memory responses is critical for protection. In this study, naive, effector, effector memory, and central memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells obtained from the COVID-19 survivors were re-exposed to autologous monocyte-derived DCs that were loaded with SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein S1. Proliferation capacity, CD25, 4-1BB, and PD-1 expression, and IFN-gamma, IL-6, granzyme, granulysin, and FasL secretion were enhanced in CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector memory and central memory T cells. Albeit being at heterogeneous levels, the memory T cells from the individuals with COVID-19 history possess functional capacities to reinvigorate anti-viral immunity against SARS-CoV-2.