Exhaustion and over-activation of immune cells in COVID-19: Challenges and therapeutic opportunities

Murad Alahdal*, Eyad Elkord

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Exhaustion of immune cells in COVID-19 remains a serious concern for infection management and therapeutic interventions. As reported, immune cells such as T effector cells (Teff), T regulatory cells (Tregs), natural killer cells (NKs), and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) exhibit uncontrolled functions in COVID-19. Unfortunately, the mechanisms that orchestrate immune cell functionality and virus interaction are still unknown. Recent studies linked adaptive immune cell exhaustion to underlying epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the epigenetic transcription of inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors (ICs). Further to that, the over-activation of T cells accompanied by the dysfunctionality of DCs and Tregs may enhance uncontrollable alveoli inflammation and cytokine storm in COVID-19. This might explain the reasons behind the failure of DC-based vaccines in inducing sufficient anti-viral responses. This review explains the processes behind the over-activation and exhaustion of innate and adaptive immune cells in COVID-19, which may contribute to developing novel immune intervention strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number109177
JournalClinical Immunology
Volume245
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Epigenetics
  • Exhaustion
  • Immune inhibitory receptors
  • Immunomodulation
  • SARS-CoV-2

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exhaustion and over-activation of immune cells in COVID-19: Challenges and therapeutic opportunities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this