High-parameter flow cytometry for deep immune profiling of COVID-19 patients

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection presents a range of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild or no symptoms to moderate to severe respiratory illnesses, such as ARDS (acute respiratory-distress syndrome) and multiorgan failure, to death. The innate immune defense mounted by the body involves pattern recognition receptors (PAR), which activate an array of transcription factors through a signal transduction pathway, ultimately resulting in the secretion of different interferons and chemokines.

SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits a spectrum of immune responses, activating both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Whether these immune responses are targeted and controlled or misdirected and uncontrolled could determine the outcome of the disease. Recent studies using deep immunoprofiling have indicated that the nature of immune responses can also determine the severity of the disease.