EBV Reactivation and PASC: Insights from Extracellular Vesicle Analysis

Introduction: Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation has been associated with the development of Long COVID, its precise role and how it interacts with other key factors contributing to Long COVID remain unclear.

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the role of EBV reactivation in Long COVID through the analysis of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Methods: This is a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study involving participants from the adult RECOVER cohort, including healthy uninfected individuals and previously infected individuals. EVs will be isolated from participant plasma for multiomic profiling. The resulting EV signatures will be correlated with Long COVID symptoms to clarify the role of EBV reactivation in Long COVID development.

Results: Pending.

Conclusion/Discussion: Pending.

Key Topics:

• Biomarker, in-depth phenotyping assays and in vitro studies using tissue and other biospecimens
• Collaborative and systems biology approaches
• Remaining gaps in tissue-specific manifestations of Long COVID
• Viral persistence/reactivation