Differential abundance of lipids and metabolites related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and susceptibility

The mechanisms driving SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility remain poorly understood, especially the factors determining why unvaccinated individuals remain uninfected despite high-risk exposures. To understand lipid and metabolite profiles related with COVID-19 susceptibility and disease progression. We collected samples from an exceptional group of unvaccinated healthcare workers heavily exposed to SARS-CoV-2 but not infected ('non-susceptible') and subjects who became infected during the follow-up ('susceptible'), including non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients with different disease severity providing samples at early disease stages. Then, we analyzed their plasma metabolomic profiles using mass spectrometry coupled with liquid and gas chromatography. We show specific lipids profiles and metabolites that could explain SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 severity. More importantly, non-susceptible individuals show a unique lipidomic pattern characterized by the upregulation of most lipids, especially ceramides and sphingomyelin, which could be interpreted as markers of low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study strengthens the findings of other researchers about the importance of studying lipid profiles as relevant markers of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.

Automated summary

This study investigates the lipid and metabolite profiles related to SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 severity. By comparing unvaccinated healthcare workers who remained uninfected with those who became infected, the researchers identified specific lipid profiles that could explain the differences in susceptibility. The findings suggest that an upregulation of certain lipids, such as ceramides and sphingomyelin, may indicate lower susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.