Type I, II, and III Interferon Signatures Correspond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity

J Infect Dis. 2021 Sep 1;224(5):777-782. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiab288.

Abstract

We analyzed plasma levels of interferons (IFNs) and cytokines, and expression of IFN-stimulated genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 of varying disease severity. Patients hospitalized with mild disease exhibited transient type I IFN responses, while intensive care unit patients had prolonged type I IFN responses. Type II IFN responses were compromised in intensive care unit patients. Type III IFN responses were induced in the early phase of infection, even in convalescent patients. These results highlight the importance of early type I and III IFN responses in controlling coronavirus disease 2019 progression.

Keywords: IRF-1; SARS-CoV-2; interferon-stimulated genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / blood
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • Chemokines / blood
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Humans
  • Interferon Lambda
  • Interferon Type I / blood
  • Interferon Type I / genetics
  • Interferon Type I / immunology*
  • Interferon-gamma / blood
  • Interferon-gamma / genetics
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology*
  • Interferons / blood
  • Interferons / immunology*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Chemokines
  • Cytokines
  • Interferon Type I
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Interferons
  • Interferon Lambda