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Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and young people
Susanna Felsenstein1, Christian M Hedrich2
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Most children experience mild COVID-19 due to protective host factors, with limited community transmission. This review explores age-related differences in SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection and immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Recent reports link SARS-CoV-2 infections with hyper-inflammatory states in children.
- However, most children experience mild or no symptoms, with low hospitalization and mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related host factors that may protect children from COVID-19.
- To address confusion surrounding seropositivity and immunity in pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pediatric COVID-19.
- Analysis of age-related differences in disease presentation and severity.
Main Results:
- Children's milder COVID-19 presentations may be due to cross-reactive antibodies from seasonal coronaviruses, increased ACE2 expression, and diverse T cell repertoires.
- The contribution of children to community transmission remains unclear due to low seroconversion rates and mild symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Children possess several age-related host factors that confer protection against severe COVID-19.
- Further research is needed to fully understand pediatric SARS-CoV-2 immunity and transmission dynamics.
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