HDL proteome remodeling associates with COVID-19 severity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Proteomics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known for lipid metabolism roles.
• Emerging evidence suggests HDL participates in immune responses to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if HDL proteome alterations correlate with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity.
• To identify specific HDL proteins associated with COVID-19 disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative proteomic analysis of HDL particles from 41 COVID-19 patients.
• Patients were categorized into mild and severe symptom groups based on clinical criteria.
• Levels of 29 HDL proteins were quantified.

Main Results:

• Increased levels of SAA1, SAA2, SFTPB, APOF, and ITIH4 in severe COVID-19 patients.
• Altered HDL proteins accurately classified disease severity (4.9% error rate).
• Apolipoprotein M (APOM) in HDL showed an inverse association with mortality risk.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 infection causes significant inflammatory remodeling of the HDL proteome.
• HDL particles may play a crucial role in the host's response to infectious diseases.
• HDL proteomic profiling shows potential for predicting COVID-19 severity and outcomes.