Heterogeneous SARS-CoV-2 kinetics due to variable timing and intensity of immune responses

• DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.176286
• Publication Date: 2024-04-04T16:00:31Z
• Authors: Katherine Owens; Shadisadat Esmaeili; Joshua T. Schiffer
• Keywords: Viral Shedding

The viral kinetics of documented SARS-CoV-2 infections exhibit a high degree inter-individual variability. We identified six distinct shedding patterns, which differed according to peak load, duration, expansion rate and clearance rate, by clustering data from 768 in the National Basketball Association cohort. Omicron variant previously vaccinated individuals generally led lower cumulative levels than other scenarios. then developed mechanistic mathematical model that recapitulated 1510 observed trajectories, including rebound cases reinfection. Lower loads were explained more rapid sustained transition susceptible cells refractory state during infection, as well an earlier potent late, cytolytic immune response. Our results suggest elimination occurs rapidly omicron following vaccination, re-infection due enhanced innate acquired responses. Because load has been linked with COVID-19 severity transmission risk, our provides framework for understanding wide range infection outcomes.