Plasma Proteins Associated with COVID-19 Severity in Puerto Rico

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Proteomics
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Host factors, viral strains, and age influence SARS-CoV-2 immune responses and COVID-19 severity.
• Puerto Ricans possess a unique genetic admixture (European, African, Native American).
• Understanding host-specific factors is crucial for predicting COVID-19 outcomes in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate unique host proteins and pathways associated with COVID-19 disease severity in Puerto Ricans.
• To identify potential biomarkers for predicting severe COVID-19 in this population.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative proteomics using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling on plasma samples from 95 participants (39 COVID-19 positive, 56 negative).
• Stratification of COVID-19 patients into mild, moderate, and severe groups based on symptomatology.
• Analysis using LC/MS/MS, Proteome Discoverer, Limma software, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), and cytokine immunoassay.

Main Results:

• Proteomics identified 58 differentially expressed proteins in severe COVID-19 cases.
• Cadherin-13, involved in synaptogenesis, was downregulated in severe patients and validated by ELISA.
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels decreased with increasing COVID-19 disease severity.

Conclusions:

• This study reveals potential host protein predictors of COVID-19 severity in Puerto Ricans.
• Findings suggest novel therapeutic targets and highlight the importance of genetic background in disease outcomes.
• Cadherin-13 and TNF-α warrant further investigation as biomarkers for COVID-19 severity.