The Expression of Fibrogenic Cytokines by Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

SARS-CoV-2, a single stranded positive RNA-virus, emerged in 2019 and caused global pandemic. Some infected patients develop severe complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanisms leading to lung fibrosis the context of COVID-19 are still unclear. However, there correlations between this condition certain inflammatory mediators that elevated plasma patients. This study addressed question whether SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was able directly activate immune cells produce fibrogenic cytokines, independent viral infection. By stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) from healthy donors through different formulations protein, expression cytokines measured. induced significantly increased IL-1β IL-6 mRNA PBMC. Both important players cytokine storm, ARDS development Different receptors with an affinity may be involved. exact mechanism on how leads higher PBMC needs further investigation.