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. 2023 Aug 23;24(17):13083.
doi: 10.3390/ijms241713083.

Macrophage-Derived Chemokine MDC/CCL22: An Ambiguous Finding in COVID-19

Zoia R Korobova  1   2 , Natalia A Arsentieva  1   2 , Areg A Totolian  1   2
Affiliations

Macrophage-Derived Chemokine MDC/CCL22: An Ambiguous Finding in COVID-19

Zoia R Korobova et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) is a chemokine of the C-C subfamily. It is involved in T-cellular maturation and migration. Our previous research shows that plasma CCL22/MDC tends to show a statistically significant depletion of concentrations in acute patients and convalescents when compared to healthy donors. In the current work, we investigate existing views on MDC/CCL22 dynamics in association with various pathologies, including respiratory diseases and, specifically, COVID-19. Additionally, we present our explanations for the observed decrease in MDC/CCL22 concentrations in COVID-19. The first hypothesis we provide implies that viral products bind to MDC/CCL22 and block its activity. Another explanation for this phenomenon is based on dendritic cells population and the inhibition of their function.

Keywords: COVID-19; MDC/CCL22; chemokines; macrophage-derived chemokine; novel coronavirus infection; post-COVID.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Possible mechanisms for lower MDC/CCL22 concentrations in COVID-19 patients’ plasma: (I) Decrease in MDC/CCL22 concentration associated with selective binding to SARS-CoV-2 viral peptides; (II) Restriction of MDC/CCL22 secretion by producer cells due to their functional failure.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Role of MDC/CCL22 in immunity and the SARS-CoV-2 infectious process. (I) MDC/CCL22 influence on T lymphocyte maturation in thymus via the CCR4 receptor. The presence of this chemokine also mediates an adequate balance between regulatory T cells and helper T cells, thus creating restrictions on inflammatory reactions. (II) SARS-CoV-2 influence on T cell maturation in thymus via depletion of MDC/CCL22: (A) decrease in MDC/CCL22 concentrations associated with selective binding to SARS-CoV-2 viral peptides; (B) restriction of MDC/CCL22 secretion by producer cells due to their functional failure.
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