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Potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the thymus

Marvin Paulo Lins1,2, Salete Smaniotto1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas - Maceió/AL, Brazil.

Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|July 9, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The thymus, a key organ for immune cell development, may be impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review hypothesizes viral effects on the thymus and thymocytes, potentially explaining lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has spurred extensive research.
  • Knowledge gaps persist regarding SARS-CoV-2's impact on the central lymphoid organ, the thymus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To hypothesize the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the thymus and thymocytes.
  • To explore the potential role of thymic pathology in SARS-CoV-2-induced lymphopenia.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a brief review.
  • It presents a hypothesis based on existing knowledge of viral pathogenesis and lymphopenia.

Main Results:

  • No direct studies currently report SARS-CoV-2 infectivity or repercussions on the thymus.
  • A hypothesis is proposed linking SARS-CoV-2 to thymic changes and lymphopenia.

Conclusions:

  • The thymus and thymic epithelial cells may be targets of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Thymic dysfunction could contribute to the observed lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients, necessitating further investigation.
Keywords:
coronaviruslymphopenialymphopéniethymus

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