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High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
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Long COVID and Type I IFN Signature in Working-Age Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Letizia Santinelli1, Elio Gentilini Cacciola2, Luca Bortolani1
1Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Biomarkers for long COVID (LC) were studied. Interferon-beta (IFN-β) mRNA levels were higher in hospitalized long COVID patients, suggesting innate immune pathway changes after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Long COVID (LC) poses a significant health challenge, necessitating biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring.
- Understanding the role of innate immune responses in LC pathogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential biomarkers for long COVID (LC) diagnosis and monitoring.
- To investigate the association between interferon (IFN) pathway gene expression and LC development post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Methods:
- Real-Time PCR analysis of IFN-α, IFN-β, ISG15, and ISG56 transcripts.
- Comparison of gene expression levels between individuals with and without long COVID (LC) one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in IFN-α, IFN-β, ISG15, and ISG56 transcript levels were found between LC and non-long COVID (NLC) groups overall.
- Higher IFN-β mRNA levels were observed in LC individuals hospitalized for >10 days during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to NLC.
- LC individuals without respiratory support showed higher IFN-α and IFN-β mRNA levels compared to NLC with similar clinical characteristics.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection alters peripheral innate immune pathways, potentially contributing to long COVID (LC) development.
- Specific interferon gene expression patterns may serve as indicators in certain subgroups of long COVID patients.
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