78. Longitudinal Analysis of T cells in COVID-19 Survivors with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Reveals Associations between Individual Symptoms and Inflammatory Indexes

Abstract

Background. Many individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 are left with persistent symptoms of COVID-19. Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) can affect quality of life and functionality. The mechanism underlying PASC is unknown but elevated inflammatory markers several months post infection have been found in those with PASC. Methods. Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 were evaluated longitudinally for PASC and persistent symptoms. CD4+ and CD8+ cellular markers and intracellular cytokines were assessed at each follow-up time point and analyzed by individual PASC symptoms reported. Results. Participants who reported persistent dyspnea, forgetfulness, confusion, and chest pain had significantly higher levels of CD8+Ki67+ cells. Those with dyspnea also had significantly higher levels of CD8+CD38+, CD8+Granzyme B+, and CD8+IL10+ cells. Those who suffered from forgetfulness, chest pain, and joint pain had significantly higher levels of CD4+CD25+ cells. Conclusion. These findings suggest continued CD8+ T cell and CD4+CD25+ T cell activation and response following SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with PASC. An increase in T regulatory cells suggests an ongoing attempt to control host inflammation in a subset of these patients. These results shed further light on continued immune system activation and chronic inflammation as a link to symptoms in COVID-19 survivors suffering from PASC. (Figure Presented).