Immune checkpoint alterations and their blockade in COVID-19 patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that seriously affects people's lives. Immune dysfunction, which is characterized by abnormal expression of multiple immune checkpoint proteins (ICs) on immune cells, is associated with progression and poor prognosis for tumors and chronic infections. Immunotherapy targeting ICs has been well established in modulating immune function and improving clinical outcome for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The role of ICs in different populations or COVID-19 stages and the impact of IC blockade remains unclear. In this review, we summarized current studies of alterations in ICs in COVID-19 to better understand immune changes and provide strategies for treating COVID-19 patients, particularly those with cancer.

Automated summary

COVID-19 patients exhibit immune dysfunction characterized by abnormal expression of immune checkpoint proteins (ICs) on immune cells. Immunotherapy targeting ICs holds promise in improving immune function and clinical outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of ICs and the impact of IC blockade in different populations or COVID-19 stages.