Frontiers in Immunology (Oct 2023)

Integrated Immunopeptidomic and Proteomic Analysis of COVID-19 lung biopsies

  • Shanye Yin,
  • Shanye Yin,
  • Susan Klaeger,
  • Vipheaviny A. Chea,
  • Vipheaviny A. Chea,
  • Isabel P. Carulli,
  • Isabel P. Carulli,
  • Suzanna Rachimi,
  • Katharine E. Black,
  • Katharine E. Black,
  • Michael Filbin,
  • Michael Filbin,
  • Lida P. Hariri,
  • Lida P. Hariri,
  • Lida P. Hariri,
  • Rachel S. Knipe,
  • Rachel S. Knipe,
  • Robert F. Padera,
  • Robert F. Padera,
  • Jonathan D. Stevens,
  • William J. Lane,
  • William J. Lane,
  • Steven A. Carr,
  • Catherine J. Wu,
  • Catherine J. Wu,
  • Catherine J. Wu,
  • Catherine J. Wu,
  • Edy Yong Kim,
  • Edy Yong Kim,
  • Derin B. Keskin,
  • Derin B. Keskin,
  • Derin B. Keskin,
  • Derin B. Keskin,
  • Derin B. Keskin,
  • Derin B. Keskin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269335
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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IntroductionSevere respiratory illness is the most prominent manifestation of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, and yet the molecular mechanisms underlying severe lung disease in COVID-19 affected patients still require elucidation. Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) expression is crucial for antigen presentation and the host’s response to SARS-CoV-2.MethodsTo gain insights into the immune response and molecular pathways involved in severe lung disease, we performed immunopeptidomic and proteomic analyses of lung tissues recovered at four COVID-19 autopsy and six non-COVID-19 transplants.ResultsWe found signals of tissue injury and regeneration in lung fibroblast and alveolar type I/II cells, resulting in the production of highly immunogenic self-antigens within the lungs of COVID-19 patients. We also identified immune activation of the M2c macrophage as the primary source of HLA-I presentation and immunogenicity in this context. Additionally, we identified 28 lung signatures that can serve as early plasma markers for predicting infection and severe COVID-19 disease. These protein signatures were predominantly expressed in macrophages and epithelial cells and were associated with complement and coagulation cascades.DiscussionOur findings emphasize the significant role of macrophage-mediated immunity in the development of severe lung disease in COVID-19 patients.

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