Obesity-compromised immunity in post-COVID-19 condition: a critical control point of chronicity

Abstract

Post-COVID-19 condition is recognized as a multifactorial disorder, with persistent presence of viral antigens, discordant immunity, delayed viral clearance, and chronic inflammation. Obesity has emerged as an independent risk factor for both SARS-CoV-2 infection and its subsequent sequelae. In this study, we aimed to predict the molecular mechanisms linking obesity and post-COVID-19 distress. Viral antigen-exposed adipose tissues display remarkable levels of viral receptors, facilitating viral entry, deposition, and chronic release of inflammatory mediators and cells in patients. Subsequently, obesity-associated inflammatory insults are predicted to disturb cellular and humoral immunity by triggering abnormal cell differentiation and lymphocyte exhaustion. In particular, the decline in SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and T-cell exhaustion due to chronic inflammation may account for delayed virus clearance and persistent activation of inflammatory responses. Taken together, obesity-associated defective immunity is a critical control point of intervention against post-COVID-19 progression, particularly in subjects with chronic metabolic distress.