Preprint finds virus-specific T cells persistently activated in 40% of Long COVID cases
alvelda · x · 2026-10-19
A PolyBio-supported preprint found SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific CD8+ T cells in 40% of Long COVID cases versus 16% of recovered controls. These virus-specific immune cells show signs of ongoing stimulation and impaired function, suggesting viral persistence drives at least 40% of Long COVID cases — and that a notable share of recovered people also carry persistence, as some had suspected. The finding could help guide targeted clinical trials.
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