A study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed 12 individuals suffering from persistent neurological symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, contributing valuable insights into Long COVID. Patients exhibited chronic symptoms like fatigue, “brain fog,” and sleep disturbances even months post-infection. Researchers utilized a method known as deep phenotyping, revealing lower levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells—key immune cells—in these individuals compared to healthy controls. Additionally, there were increased counts of B cells and other immune cells, indicating potential immune dysregulation linked to Long COVID. The study also uncovered issues with the autonomic nervous system (ANS), responsible for regulating unconscious bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. Autonomic tests demonstrated abnormalities in cardiovascular control, raising questions about their connection to persistent symptoms. These findings, published in Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, are pivotal in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying Long COVID, which may facilitate improved diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies like immunotherapy. Supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this research aligns with a broader government initiative aimed at enhancing responses to Long COVID and supporting affected individuals.
