Iranian Journal of Immunology (Dec 2023)

Behaviors of Human T cells in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Lessons and Tips

  • Ali Shams,
  • Sahar Khosravi,
  • Aysan Zareiye,
  • Yeganeh Lalehzari,
  • Reyhane Nematollahi,
  • Solmaz Basti

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22034/iji.2023.98326.2567
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 4
pp. 382 – 399

Abstract

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Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is crucial in controlling the highly aggressive and progressive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite extensive researches on severe COVID-19 infection, the etiology and/or mechanisms of lymphopenia, decreased T cell-mediated responses in patients, cytokine release storms (CRS), and enhanced pro-inflammatory mediators are not fully understood. Several T cell subpopulations, including innate-like lymphocytes (ILLs) and conventional T cells, are involved in COVID-19 infection; however, their contribution to immunity and complications remains to be more elucidated. CD16+ T cells are among the effective players in the development of T helper1 (Th1) responses in COVID-19 infection, while their robust cytolytic properties contribute to lung tissue damage. While CD56-CD16bright NK cells play a protective role, natural killer T (NKT) cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and γδ T cells and their roles in COVID-19 require further investigation. The involvement of the other T cell subsets, such as Th17, along with neutrophils, adds to the complexity of the situation. In this review, we presented and discussed the findings of recent studies on T cell responses and the contribution of each type of immune cells to COVID-19.

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