Presenting Author: Alexandra Tabachnikova
, PhD Student at Yale Univ.
Abstract:
SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in the development of a constellation of persistent sequelae following acute disease, which is known as Long COVID. Individuals diagnosed with Long COVID frequently report unremitting fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and a variety of cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions; however, the basic biological mechanisms responsible for these debilitating symptoms are unclear. Previously, we profiled 177 individuals in an exploratory, cross-sectional study encompassing multi-dimensional immune phenotyping in conjunction with machine learning. Key immunological features distinguishing Long COVID were identified and described in the Mount Sinai Yale –Long COVID (MY-LC) study. A striking finding was an elevation in antibodies to lytic antigens of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in Long COVID participants, which may be indicative of more recent reactivation of EBV in these patients. In addition, levels of these antibodies correlated with IL-4, IL-6 cytokine double-producing CD4+ T-cells, which suggests that EBV reactivation is not merely incidental but may reflect or aggravate immune perturbations in these patients. Several symptom profiles were associated with higher antibody responses to EBV, including muscle pains and cramps as well as the aggravation of symptoms by stress. Additionally, T-cell responses to EBV responses to EBV have been profiled. These findings will help guide additional studies into the pathobiology of Long COVID.
The Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in Long COVID
Category
Poster and Podium (Block Symposium)
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Date: May 5 Presentation Time: 03:15 PM to 04:30 PM Room: Exhibit Hall F1