Understanding Neutrophil Dynamics during COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) results in varied clinical outcomes, with virus-induced chronic inflammation and tissue injury being associated with enhanced disease pathogenesis. To determine the role of tissue damage on immune populations recruitment and function, a mathematical model of innate immunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection has been proposed. The model was fitted to published longitudinal immune marker data from patients with mild and severe COVID-19 disease and key parameters were estimated for each clinical outcome. Analytical, bifurcation, and numerical investigations were conducted to determine the effect of parameters and initial conditions on long-term dynamics. The results were used to suggest changes needed to achieve immune resolution.

Keywords

• mathematical modelling
• neutrophils
• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• inflammation
• resolution