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SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in lung alveolar macrophages is controlled by IFN-γ and NK cells

Genes & Immunity (2024)Cite this article

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SARS-CoV-2 has been the subject of extensive research. Through substantial efforts, researchers have tracked the virus’s variants and developed vaccines, diagnostic tests, and pharmacological treatments that have significantly improved the management of COVID-19. Despite these advancements, several unknowns persist, exerting a substantial impact on the health of both adults and children. A key obstacle faced by patients and researchers is the post-COVID-19 condition, also known as Long-COVID. This term characterizes the persistence of inexplicable signs and symptoms that arise following SARS-CoV-2 infection, adversely affecting people’s daily lives. One hypothesis concerning Long-COVID suggests the existence of a persistent viral reservoir.

To enhance comprehension of the pathogenesis, obtaining access to solid tissues presents a major interest. In this context, non-human primates (NHP) emerge as a valuable model for physiopathology understanding. The utilization of NHP in infectious disease research is not a novel concept. A historical precedent can be found in the exploration of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, in which NHP have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of HIV pathogenesis, treatment and prevention.

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Fig. 1: Mechanisms in persistent vs non-persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in alveolar macrophages of convalescent macaques.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the help of B. Jacquelin and A. Orta-Resendiz for the review of the figure. This work was supported by the ‘URGENCE COVID-19’ fundraising campaign of Institut Pasteur. E.B. received a doctoral fellowship from the Université Paris Cité and the Ministère français de lʼEnseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de lʼInnovation.

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  1. Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, HIV, Inflammation and Persistence Unit, Paris, France

    Emma Beaumont, Michaela Müller-Trutwin & Nicolas Huot

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  1. Emma Beaumont
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  2. Michaela Müller-Trutwin
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  3. Nicolas Huot
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EB wrote the initial draft of the manuscript. NH and MMT revised the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Michaela Müller-Trutwin.

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Beaumont, E., Müller-Trutwin, M. & Huot, N. SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in lung alveolar macrophages is controlled by IFN-γ and NK cells. Genes Immun (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41435-024-00284-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41435-024-00284-5

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