Abstract
Several studies show that the immunosuppressive drugs targeting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, including tocilizumab, ameliorate lethal inflammatory responses in COVID-19 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Here, by employing single-cell analysis of the immune cell composition of two severe-stage COVID-19 patients prior to and following tocilizumab-induced remission, we identify a monocyte subpopulation that contributes to the inflammatory cytokine storms. Furthermore, although tocilizumab treatment attenuates the inflammation, immune cells, including plasma B cells and CD8+ T cells, still exhibit robust humoral and cellular antiviral immune responses. Thus, in addition to providing a high-dimensional dataset on the immune cell distribution at multiple stages of the COVID-19, our work also provides insights into the therapeutic effects of tocilizumab, and identifies potential target cell populations for treating COVID-19-related cytokine storms.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
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B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Betacoronavirus / immunology*
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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COVID-19
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Computational Biology
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Coronavirus Infections / blood
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Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy
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Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
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Coronavirus Infections / virology
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Cytokines / blood
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Cytokines / immunology*
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Humans
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Inflammation / drug therapy
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Macrophages / drug effects
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Macrophages / immunology
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Monocytes / immunology*
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Pandemics
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Pneumonia, Viral / blood
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Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy
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Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
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Pneumonia, Viral / virology
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Receptors, Interleukin-6 / immunology
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SARS-CoV-2
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Single-Cell Analysis / methods
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Cytokines
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IL6R protein, human
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Receptors, Interleukin-6
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tocilizumab