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Synergistic Role of NK Cells and Monocytes in Promoting Atherogenesis in Severe COVID-19 Patients

Manuja Gunasena, Mario Alles, Yasasvi Wijewantha

    Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
    |November 21, 2023
    PubMed

    Insights

    Severe COVID-19 infection increases cardiovascular disease risk. Proinflammatory monocytes and activated Natural Killer (NK) cells synergistically drive atherogenesis by promoting oxidized LDL uptake and foam cell formation post-infection.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Cardiovascular Science
    • Infectious Disease

    Background:

    • Severe COVID-19 is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, potentially due to immune dysregulation.
    • Monocytes, macrophages, and Natural Killer (NK) cells are implicated in atherosclerosis and are known to be altered during severe COVID-19.

    Approach:

    • Investigated the synergistic roles of monocytes and NK cells in atherogenesis following severe COVID-19.
    • Analyzed immune cell phenotypes and their interactions with vascular tissue and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL).

    Key Points:

    • Circulating proinflammatory monocytes and activated NK cells synergistically promote Ox-LDL uptake in vascular tissue post-severe COVID-19.
    • This interaction leads to foam cell generation and contributes to atherogenesis, even after recovery from acute infection.
    • Altered immune cell phenotypes play a critical role in COVID-19-associated atherogenesis.

    Conclusions:

    • Monocytes/macrophages and NK cells are key players in the development of atherosclerosis after severe COVID-19.
    • These findings offer new insights into the mechanisms linking severe viral infections to long-term cardiovascular complications.

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