The dynamics of immune response in COVID-19 patients with different illness severity.

Background This study aimed to analyze the dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets and specific antibodies in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with different illness severity. Methods The lymphocyte subsets and IgM and IgG antibody levels were retrospectively analyzed in 707 COVID-19 cases. Results The amounts of lymphocyte subsets were significantly decreased with the increased severity of illness and the levels of IgM and IgG were lower in critical cases than severe and moderate cases. In deceased patients, the lymphocytes subsets were significantly lower than recovered patients. However, the relationship between the levels of IgM and IgG and the amounts of lymphocyte subsets were not significantly correlated. During different stages of COVID-19, the total T cell, CD4+ T cell and CD8+ T cell counts were gradually recovered to the normal levels in severe and critical groups but the change trend was relatively stable in moderate group. The production of IgM and IgG antibodies were delayed in critical groups but also could reach the peak levels at one month after illness onset and decreased to background levels. Conclusion To detect the kinetics of lymphocytes and antibodies has important clinical value in predicting the illness severity and understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.