78. Longitudinal Analysis of T cells in COVID-19 Survivors with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Reveals Associations between Individual Symptoms and Inflammatory Indexes

BACKGROUND: Many individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 are left with persistent symptoms of COVID-19. Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) can affect quality of life and functionality. The mechanism underlying PASC is unknown but elevated inflammatory markers several months post infection have been found in those with PASC. METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 were evaluated longitudinally for PASC and persistent symptoms. CD4(+) and CD8(+) cellular markers and intracellular cytokines were assessed at each follow-up time point and analyzed by individual PASC symptoms reported. RESULTS: Participants who reported persistent dyspnea, forgetfulness, confusion, and chest pain had significantly higher levels of CD8(+)Ki67(+) cells. Those with dyspnea also had significantly higher levels of CD8(+)CD38(+), CD8(+)Granzyme B(+), and CD8(+)IL10(+) cells. Those who suffered from forgetfulness, chest pain, and joint pain had significantly higher levels of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells. [Figure: see text] [Figure: see text] [Figure: see text] CONCLUSION: These findings suggest continued CD8(+) T cell and CD4+CD25(+) T cell activation and response following SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with PASC. An increase in T regulatory cells suggests an ongoing attempt to control host inflammation in a subset of these patients. These results shed further light on continued immune system activation and chronic inflammation as a link to symptoms in COVID-19 survivors suffering from PASC. DISCLOSURES: All Authors: No reported disclosures.