Structural and functional characteristics of local immune memory formation in SARS-CoV-2-infected cynomolgus macaques
As the primary interface with the environment, the lungs require a robust local immune defense against pathogens. In a non-human primate model of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection, we used scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and immunoassays to investigate localized immune memory. Our results demonstrated established adaptive responses in lung tissue and medLNs, with significant activation of tissue-resident T cells and GC (germinal center) B cells. Inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) formed a functional tertiary lymphoid structure, suggesting potential involvement in local immune responses. These findings highlight the pivotal role of local immunity in preventing re-infection and can facilitate targeted mucosal vaccine development.
Authors
- Youngjeon Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5387-3441)
- Seung Ho Baek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8062-470X)
- Kyung Seob Lim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9117-887X)
- Taehwan Oh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9308-5573)
- Eunha Hwang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4830-564X)
- Choong‐Min Ryu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7276-1189)
- You Jung An (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1528-8054)
- Jinyoung Won (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5112-6736)
- Bon‐Sang Koo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0799-9497)
- Victor Nizet (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3847-0422)
- Green Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3294-6936)
- Jung Joo Hong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9795-6513)
- Yujin Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0903-9871)
- Dong‐Yeon Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6169-4518)
- Gukhui Min
- YoungMin Woo
Institutions
- Chungbuk National University (KR)
- University of California San Diego (US)
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KR)
- Dankook University (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Clinical Immunology
- Published
- 2025-08-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clim.2025.110589
- Primary Topic
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Research Foundation
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology
- Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea