A monocyte/dendritic cell molecular signature of SARS-CoV-2-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with severe myocarditis

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection in children is generally milder than in adults, but a proportion of cases result in hyperinflammatory conditions often including myocarditis. Methods: To better understand these cases, we applied a multiparametric approach to the study of blood cells of 56 children hospitalized with suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma cytokine and chemokine levels and blood cellular composition were measured, alongside gene expression at the bulk and single-cell levels. Findings: The most severe forms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to SARS-CoV-2 that resulted in myocarditis were characterized by elevated levels of pro-angiogenesis cytokines and several chemokines. Single-cell transcriptomics analyses identified a unique monocyte/dendritic cell gene signature that correlated with the occurrence of severe myocarditis characterized by sustained nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activity and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) signaling and associated with decreased gene expression of NF-kappa B inhibitors. We also found a weak response to type I and type II interferons, hyperinflammation, and response to oxidative stress related to increased HIF-1 alpha and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. Conclusions: These results provide potential for a better understanding of disease pathophysiology.

Automated summary

The study reveals that the most severe forms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to SARS-CoV-2 infection resulting in myocarditis are characterized by elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines, as well as a unique monocyte/dendritic cell gene signature correlated with sustained NF-κB activity and TNF-α signaling. This suggests a weak response to interferons, hyperinflammation, and increased response to oxidative stress related to HIF-1α and VEGF signaling.