SARS-CoV-2 infection elucidates features of pregnancy-specific immunity.
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| Abstract | Pregnancy is a risk factor for increased severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory infections, but the mechanisms underlying this risk are poorly understood. To gain insight into the role of pregnancy in modulating immune responses at baseline and upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma from 226 women, including 152 pregnant individuals and 74 non-pregnant women. We find that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with altered T cell responses in pregnant women, including a clonal expansion of CD4-expressing CD8 T cells, diminished interferon responses, and profound suppression of monocyte function. We also identify shifts in cytokine and chemokine levels in the sera of pregnant individuals, including a robust increase of interleukin-27, known to drive T cell exhaustion. Our findings reveal nuanced pregnancy-associated immune responses, which may contribute to the increased susceptibility of pregnant individuals to viral respiratory infection. |
| Year of Publication | 2024
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| Journal | Cell reports
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| Volume | 43
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| Issue | 11
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| Pages | 114933
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| Date Published | 11/2024
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| ISSN | 2211-1247
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| DOI | 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114933
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| PubMed ID | 39504241
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