SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in infection and vaccination

Abstract

During viral infections, antibodies and T cells act together to prevent pathogen spread and remove virus-infected cells. Virus-specific adaptive immunity can, however, also trigger pathological processes characterized by localized or systemic inflammatory events. The protective and/or pathological role of virus-specific T cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection has been the focus of many studies in COVID-19 patients and in vaccinated individuals. Here, we review the works that have elucidated the function of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in patients and in vaccinated individuals. Understanding whether SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are more linked to protection or pathogenesis is pivotal to define future therapeutic and prophylactic strategies to manage the current pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; T cells; Vaccines.

Fig. 1. Kinetic of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells.

Schematic representation of the expansion and contraction kinetic of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells in COVID-19 patients with mild or severe disease

Fig. 2. Schematic representation of Spike-specific T cell and neutralizing antibody response (surrogate virus neutralization assay) after BNT162b2 vaccination.

Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination with BNT162b2 (red shade) or placebo (blue shade) are also shown. Dotted lines and gray shaded area denotes the expected dynamics where data are not available at the moment of writing