Interferon gamma immunotherapy in five critically ill COVID-19 patients with impaired cellular immunity: A case series
Med, 2021
van Laarhoven A., Kurver L., Overheul G., Kooistra E., Abdo W., van Crevel R., Duivenvoorden R., Kox M., ten Oever J., Schouten J., van de Veerdonk F., van der Hoeven H., Rahamat-Langendoen J., van Rij R., Pickkers P., Netea M.
| Disease area | Application area | Sample type | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
Infectious Diseases | Pathophysiology | Serum |  Olink Explore 3072/384 |
Abstract
Background: Prolonged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding has been described in immunocompromised coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, resulting in protracted disease and poor outcome. Specific therapy to improve viral clearance and outcome for this group of patients is currently unavailable.
Methods: Five critically ill COVID-19 patients with severe defects in cellular immune responses, high SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA loads, and no respiratory improvement were treated with interferon gamma, 100 μg subcutaneously, thrice weekly. Bronchial secretion was collected every 48 h for routine diagnostic SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and viral culture.
Findings: Interferon gamma administration was followed by a rapid decline in SARS-CoV-2 load and a positive-to-negative viral culture conversion. Four patients recovered, and no signs of hyperinflammation were observed.
Conclusions: Interferon gamma may be considered as adjuvant immunotherapy in a subset of immunocompromised COVID-19 patients.