SARS-CoV-2-associated T-cell infiltration in the central nervous system

Objectives

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection mainly presents with respiratory illness, neurologic symptoms and sequelae are increasingly recognised in the long-term treatment of COVID-19 patients. The pathophysiology and the neuropathogenesis behind neurologic complications of COVID-19 remain poorly understood, but mounting evidence points to endothelial dysfunction either directly caused by viral infection or indirectly by inflammatory cytokines, followed by a local immune response that may include virus-specific T cells. However, the type and role of central nervous system-infiltrating T cells in COVID-19 are complex and not fully understood.

Methods

We analysed distinct anatomical brain regions of patients who had deceased as a result of COVID-19-associated pneumonia or complications thereof and performed T cell receptor Vβ repertoire sequencing. Clonotypes were analysed for SARS-CoV-2 association using public TCR repertoire data.

Results

Our descriptive study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2-associated T cells are found in almost all brain areas of patients with fatal COVID-19 courses. The olfactory bulb, medulla and cerebellum were brain regions showing the most SARS-CoV-2 specific sequence patterns. Neuropathological workup demonstrated primary CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration with a perivascular infiltration pattern.

Conclusion

Future research is needed to better define the relationship between T-cell infiltration and neurological symptoms and its long-term impact on patients' cognitive and mental health.