The modulatory action of C-Vx substance on the immune system in COVID-19
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS, vol.11, no.1, pp.2698-2710, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 11 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2022
- Doi Number: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2125347
- Journal Name: EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Page Numbers: pp.2698-2710
- Keywords: C-Vx, COVID-19, cytokines, cytotoxicity, immune system, inflammation, lymphocytes, proliferation, GAMMA-INTERFERON, IFN-GAMMA
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The modulatory effect of C-Vx, a novel therapeutic agent, on the immune system of COVID-19 patients was investigated. The functions of T and NK cells of COVID-19 patients with different disease severity were evaluated by flow cytometry in response to C-Vx stimulation. The levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were detected by multiplex assay in supernatants after cell culture with C-Vx. Bradykinin, IRF3, and IFN-alpha levels were also measured by ELISA in the presence or absence of C-Vx stimulation. As a result, increased CD107a expression was observed on NK cells in response to C-Vx addition. The proliferation of T cell subsets was increased by C-Vx, decreasing by disease severity. IL-4 and IL-10 levels were elevated while IFN-gamma and IL-17 levels were reduced in T cells following C-Vx stimulation. However, the levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-gamma and GM-CSF were significantly increased upon C-Vx stimulation. IFN-alpha levels tended to increase after incubation with C-Vx. These findings support an immunomodulatory action of C-Vx on the immune system of patients with a mild and moderate phase of COVID-19.