In one of the most disturbing preprints we have seen during the entire pandemic, researchers outline the damage that SARS-CoV-2 can do to key components of the human immune system, independently of ACE2.
Highlights:
SARS-CoV-2 antigens were present inside the T lymphocytes, the virus could directly infect T cells
Lung tissue contained high levels of T lymphocytes, many T lymphocytes tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 proteins
T lymphocytes from SARS-CoV-2 patients displayed nearly ten times the number of apoptotic cells than healthy individuals
SARS-CoV-2 infection of T cells occurs independently from the ACE2 receptors
After SARS-CoV-2 infection “CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes almost declined to zero in some patients
Both Jurkat and M4 cell lines were infected in vitro
SARS-CoV-2 can infect T lymphocytes and induce pronounced programmed apoptosis, or cell death
So it’s clear:
SARS-CoV-2 infects T lymphocytes, preferably activated CD4+ cells in vitro, independently of the ACE2 receptor and induces pronounced programmed cell death potentially contributing to the lymphopenia seen in ~80% of hospitalized C19 patients https://t.co/CPWW06FTyw
Authorities should be aware of this.
We still don’t know the long term impact of this virus for human health. Evidence so far & experience from those affected by SARS1 point to serious long term effects. It would be wise to prevent transmission until new vaccines/more knowledge.
