Extensive acute and sustained changes to neutrophil proteomes post-SARS-CoV-2 infection

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Proteomics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Neutrophils play a key role in COVID-19 pathophysiology.
• Molecular changes in neutrophils during SARS-CoV-2 infection require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore neutrophil phenotypes using quantitative proteomics.
• To understand molecular changes in neutrophils during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Longitudinal neutrophil proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry.
• Comparison with non-COVID-19 acute lower respiratory tract infection and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Over 1700 neutrophil proteins were significantly altered in COVID-19 patients compared to controls.
• Severe COVID-19 associated with increased proteins in metabolism and immunosuppression.
• Delayed recovery linked to decreased granule components and altered receptor expression.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection induces sustained neutrophil proteomic alterations.
• These changes suggest impaired metabolic, immunosuppressive, and migratory functions.
• Findings offer insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.