The characterization of CD8 <sup>+</sup> T-cell responses in COVID-19
Yuanting Yang, H. I. Miller, Maria G. Byazrova, Fabio Cndotti, Kamel Benlagha, Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara, Junming Shi, Huamei Forsman, Pamela Lee, Yang Lu, Alexander Filatov, Zhimin Zhai, Chaohong Liu
Abstract
This review gives an overview of the protective role of CD8+ T cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cross-reactive responses intermediated by CD8+ T cells in unexposed cohorts are described. Additionally, the relevance of resident CD8+ T cells in the upper and lower airway during infection is discussed, and CD8+ T-cell responses following vaccination, including recent worrisome breakthrough infections and variants of concerns (VOCs). Lastly, we explained the correlation between CD8+ T cells and COVID-19 severity. This review aids in a deeper comprehension of the association between CD8+ T cells and SARS-CoV-2 and broadens a vision for future exploration.