Functional Immune Responses in Children with Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Introduction: The immune system is responsible for protecting us from pathogens, however aberrant immune responses can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and autoimmunity. Although SARS-CoV-2 is known to cause immune dysregulation, its potential role in Pediatric post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) remains unclear.

Objective: Our central hypothesis is that in children with PASC, infection with SARS-CoV-2 results in chronic activation and perpetuation of aberrant immune responses. This work aims to determine if immune dysregulation is associated with pediatric PASC.

Methods: Aim 1 - Our first aim is to define the circulating immunologic landscape in pediatric PASC. We are using a combination of high dimensional flow cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing to determine if the phenotype and transcriptional profiles of immune cells differ between children with and without PASC. Aim 2 - Our second aim is to establish the functional capacity of the SARS-CoV-2 specific immune responses in children with PASC. We are using flow cytometry following SARS-CoV-2 and general stimulation conditions to define B and T cell responses in children with and without PASC. Aim 3 - Determine the antibody profile associated with PASC. We are using antigen microarrays to define the immunoglobulin profile against both SARS-CoV-2 and common pathogens in children with and without PASC.

Results: Pending.

Conclusion/Discussion: Discussion and conclusions pending final analysis and results. Upon completion we expect to have a profile of the immune system in children with PASC.

Key Topics:

• Assay and in vitro studies to gain mechanistic insights
• Biomarker, in-depth phenotyping assays and in vitro studies using tissue and other biospecimens
• Chronic immune dysfunction
• Long COVID in special populations