Presenting Author: Amar Singh
, Assistant Professor at Univ. of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Abstract:
Aim and Background: In the global coronavirus pandemic, the role of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) was hypothesized to be a promising treatment option. Despite trials failing to prove ARBs' effectiveness in improving COVID-19 outcomes, this study was designed to investigate the immune profile in losartan-treated COVID-19 patients.
Methods and Results: Ten COVID-19 patients who received losartan were included, and their blood samples collected on days 1 and 15 were analyzed using a customized 34-marker MDIPA panel with mass cytometry. The immunological comparison included patients: cohort A (n=5) with severe outcomes (intubated, ICU admission, or death) and cohort B (n=5) with favorable outcomes, measured at d15 vs d1. The analysis revealed substantial alteration in the patient’s immune landscape, with no noticeable impact on the expression of angiotensin receptors in CD8 T cells. Cohort B displayed a significant (4-fold) increase in classical monocytes, suppressed Tregs, Th2 cells, and an elevated Th1/Th2 ratio. Additionally, both memory and plasma blast B cells are notably expanded (>2-fold) in cohort B.
Conclusions: The enhanced adaptive immunity was observed in COVID-19 patients exhibiting favorable outcomes. Additional investigation with larger cohorts and a placebo control is underway to delineate the observed trend's relevance to susceptibility factors and clinical outcomes.
Supported by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-017069 NCE)
Unraveling Immune Profile Changes in Losartan-Treated COVID-19 Patients Using Mass Cytometry
Category
Poster and Podium (Block Symposium)
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Date: May 6 Presentation Time: 02:15 PM to 03:30 PM Room: Exhibit Hall F1