Studies Find Persistent Viral RNA and T Cell Activation Up to Two Years Post COVID-19, Linked to Long COVID

Jul 3, 2024, 06:24 PM

Recent studies have revealed that tissue-based T cell activation and viral RNA can persist for up to two years after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This ongoing immune response is linked to chronic inflammation and may contribute to Long COVID. Research led by Dr. Michael Peluso at UCSF utilized novel imaging technology to visualize long-term immune system activation in individuals who had COVID-19. The studies found evidence of lingering virus and T cell response months to years after infection, even in those without long COVID symptoms. These findings suggest that persistent viral presence and sustained immune activation are key factors in the development of Long COVID. A study published in SciImmunology highlighted the durable signature of inflammation in memory CD4 T cells generated from SARS-CoV-2 infection.