Therapeutic Targets and strategies in Long COVID and Post-Viral Syndromes

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes a respiratory illness with systemic immune cell activation, inflammation, widespread multiorgan dysfunction, and thrombosis. Although most patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 recover within a few weeks, long COVID (LC) occurs in an estimated 10–20% of cases, affecting individuals of all ages and across disease severities. LC involves multiple organs, and some patients suffer from neurocognitive dysfunction. Studies have shown that long COVID manifests with adaptive immunity alteration, such as T cell dysregulation, persistent inflammation and various clinical symptoms to SARS-CoV-2. Affected individuals often display increased frequencies of CD4+ T cells in inflamed tissues, exhausted SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells, and a mis-coordination response of T and B cells. Furthermore, global changes in gene expression in blood have been observed However, the possible mechanisms involved in T cell dysfunction and immunopathology for long COVID syndrome, as well as the predictive biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and effective interventions still under investigation.

This Research Topic is focused on exploring the mechanisms underlying T cell dysfunction and immunopathology for long COVID syndrome, to identify the predictive biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and to develop interventions for clinical patients. By focusing on these aspects, we seek to enhance the understanding of long COVID and to facilitate the development of effective clinical treatments.

This Research Topic will advance the current knowledge and treatment approaches for long COVID and post-viral syndromes. Authors from diverse geographic and research backgrounds are encouraged to submit manuscripts to ensure a broad and comprehensive understanding of these complex issues. Authors are invited to contribute to the following specific themes within the context of long COVID:
o Mechanisms involved in T cell dysfunction and immunopathology.
o Identification of predictive biomarkers for long COVID.
o Therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for clinical patients.