Helminths' antigens differentially modulate the activation of SARS-CoV-2-reactive helper and cytotoxic T cells in COVID-19 patients and healthy blood donors.
Abstract Background Contrary to the predictions, prevalence and mortality due to COVID-19 have remained moderate on the African continent. Several factors, including age, genetics, vaccines, and co-infections, might impact the course of the pandemic in Africa. Helminths are highly endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and are renowned for their ability to modulate their host immune reactions. Methods Here we analyzed in vitro the impact of major helminth antigens on the immune reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients using flow cytometry and Luminex. Results: We observed that helminth antigens significantly reduced the frequency of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T helper cells. In contrast, the expression of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD8+ T cells was not affected. In addition, stimulation with helminth antigens was associated with increased IL-10 and a reduction of IFNγ and TNFα. Conclusion: Our data offer a plausible explanation for the moderate incidence of COVID-19 in Africa and support the hypothesis that helper T cell-mediated immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are mitigated in the presence of helminth antigens, while virus-specific cytotoxic T cell responses are maintained.