CD8+ T Cells in SARS-CoV-2 Induced Disease and Cancer-Clinical Perspectives

Dysregulated innate and adaptive immunity is a sign of SARS-CoV-2-induced disease and cancer. CD8(+) T cells are important cells of the immune system. The cells belong to the adaptive immunity and take a front-line defense against viral infections and cancer. Extreme CD8(+) T-cell activities in the lung of patients with a SARS-CoV-2-induced disease and within the tumor microenvironment (TME) will change their functionality into exhausted state and undergo apoptosis. Such diminished immunity will put cancer cases at a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2-induced disease, rendering viral sepsis and a more severe condition which will finally cause a higher rate of mortality. Recovering responses from CD8(+) T cells is a purpose of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this review is to discuss the CD8(+) T cellular state in SARS-CoV-2-induced disease and in cancer and to present some strategies for recovering the functionality of these critical cells.

Automated summary

Dysregulated immune responses, particularly the dysfunction of CD8(+) T cells, play a significant role in SARS-CoV-2-induced disease and cancer. Overactive CD8(+) T cells in the lung and tumor microenvironment become exhausted and undergo apoptosis, leading to diminished immunity. Therefore, strategies to restore the functionality of CD8(+) T cells are crucial for overcoming these diseases.