IMMUNOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CHILDREN WITH MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH SARS-COV-2

Abstract

Introduction. SARS-CoV-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is characterized by signs and symptoms reflecting intense immune activation with increased production of cytokines. Аim. The aim of our study was to study changes in the immune response in children with MVS associated with SARS-CoV-2. Methods. The study included 35 children with MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2, the control group consisted of 15 healthy children who had COVID-19 and did not develop MIS-C. The state of the immune response in all patients was assessed by the method of immunophenotyping of peripheral blood. 
Results. Children with MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2 had CD3+ T-cell lymphopenia, a decrease in NK cells, a decrease in the expression of the apoptosis marker CD95, and an increase in the expression of the activation marker CD25. The change in the humoral immune response was manifested as an increase in the relative number of B-lymphocytes and an increase in the expression of the B-cell activation marker CD3-HLA-DR+. Conclusions. Children with MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2 have profound immune dysregulation, as evidenced by our data.