Proteomic profiling of MIS-C patients indicates heterogeneity relating to interferon gamma dysregulation and vascular

Caroline Diorio1,2, Rawan Shraim1,3, Laura A Vella4,5

  • 1Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Nature Communications
|December 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe complication of COVID-19. This study analyzed over 1400 proteins in children, revealing key inflammatory markers and potential therapeutic targets for MIS-C.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Proteomics

Background:

  • Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a serious complication following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • MIS-C presents with significant cardiovascular and hyperinflammatory symptoms in pediatric patients.
  • Initial SARS-CoV-2 infection is often mild or asymptomatic before MIS-C onset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively analyze the plasma proteome in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To identify protein signatures reflecting hyperinflammation and vascular injury in MIS-C.
  • To discover pathogenic mediators and potential biomarkers for MIS-C.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma proteomic analysis of over 1400 proteins.
  • Comparative analysis of protein signatures in MIS-C, macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA).
  • Assessment of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) levels and their correlation with clinical heterogeneity.

Main Results:

  • Protein signatures show overlap between MIS-C, MAS, and TMA.
  • PLA2G2A identified as a significant MIS-C marker associated with TMA.
  • Dysregulated IFNγ responses observed in MIS-C patients, correlating with clinical variations.

Conclusions:

  • The plasma proteome provides insights into MIS-C pathogenesis, highlighting links to other inflammatory syndromes.
  • PLA2G2A and IFNγ are potential biomarkers for MIS-C diagnosis and understanding disease heterogeneity.
  • Further research into these mediators may guide targeted therapies for MIS-C.

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