SARS-CoV-2 infection elucidates features of pregnancy-specific immunity

• DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114933
• Publication Date: 2024-11-05T18:47:35Z
• Authors: Dong Sun Oh; Eunha Kim; Rachelly Normand; Guangqing Lu; Lydia L. Shook; Amanda Lyall; Olyvia Jasset; Stepan Demidkin; Emily Gilbert; Joon Kim; Babatunde Akinwunmi; Jessica Tantivit; Alice Tirard; Benjamin Y. Arnold; Kamil Slowikowski; Marcia B. Goldberg; Michael R. Filbin; Nir Hacohen; Long H. Nguyen; Andrew T. Chan; Xu G. Yu; Jonathan Z. Li; Lael Yonker; Alessio Fasano; Roy H. Perlis; Ofer Pasternak; Kathryn J. Gray; Gloria B. Choi; David A. Drew; Pritha Sen; Alexandra-Chloé V...; Andrea G. Edlow; Jun R. Huh
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Pregnancy is a risk factor for increased severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory infections, but the mechanisms underlying this risk are poorly understood. To gain insight into the role of pregnancy in modulating immune responses at baseline and upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma from 226 women, including 152 pregnant individuals and 74 non-pregnant women. We find that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with altered T cell responses in pregnant women, including a clonal expansion of CD4-expressing CD8(+) T cells, diminished interferon responses, and profound suppression of monocyte function. We also identify shifts in cytokine and chemokine levels in the sera of pregnant individuals, including a robust increase of interleukin-27, known to drive T cell exhaustion. Our findings reveal nuanced pregnancy-associated immune responses, which may contribute to the increased susceptibility of pregnant individuals to viral respiratory infection.