Is Cross-Reactive Immunity Triggering COVID-19 Immunopathogenesis?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Serological responses to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 suggest priming by other human coronaviruses (hCoVs).
• Early immune responses in SARS and COVID-19 can correlate with poorer clinical outcomes.
• Cross-reactive antibody and T cell responses to common cold coronaviruses are observed in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the role of cross-reactive immunity in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
• To explore implications for immune-based therapies and vaccine development.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and hCoV cross-reactivity.
• Analysis of serological and T cell data in SARS and COVID-19 patients.
• Consideration of non-human primate vaccine studies.

Main Results:

• Cross-reactive hCoV antibody responses are present in SARS and COVID-19 patients.
• Pre-existing T cell immunity to common cold coronaviruses may prime SARS-CoV-2 responses.
• SARS-CoV-1 S-protein vaccine antibodies were linked to lung injury in macaques.

Conclusions:

• Cross-reactive immunity may contribute to COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
• Understanding cross-reactivity is crucial for developing safe and effective vaccines and therapies against SARS-CoV-2.