Accumulation of CD28null Senescent T-Cells Is Associated with Poorer Outcomes in COVID19 Patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes infectious disease, and manifests in a wide range of symptoms from asymptomatic to severe illness and even death. Severity of infection is related to many risk factors, including aging and an array of underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. It remains poorly understood how these conditions influence the severity of COVID-19. Expansion of the CD28(null) senescent T-cell populations, a common phenomenon in aging and several chronic inflammatory conditions, is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates in COVID-19. Here, we summarize the potential mechanisms whereby CD28(null) cells drive adverse outcomes in disease and predispose patients to devastating COVID-19, and discuss possible treatments for individuals with high counts of CD28(null) senescent T-cells.

Automated summary

The severity of COVID-19 infection is related to various risk factors, including age and underlying conditions, such as the increase of CD28(null) cells which may worsen the disease and predispose patients to the impact of COVID-19. Possible treatment methods need to be considered for patients with high counts of CD28(null) senescent T-cells.