Mortality of COVID-19 is Associated with Cellular Immune Function Compared to Immune Function in Chinese Han Population

Qiang Zeng; Yong-zhe Li; Gang Huang; Wei Wu; Sheng-yong Dong; Yang Xu

The reference ranges of lymphocyte subsets are as followings ( Secondary immunodeficiencies can result from various immunosuppressive agents (immunosuppressive drugs or glucocorticoids). Many specific diseases directly or indirectly cause secondary immunodeficiencies. This includes many types of cancer, and certain chronic virus infections (e.g. cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus). Our findings indicated the PLD at presentation were associated with the severity of disease ( Table 3 ). The severe PLD or the secondary immunodeficiencies (CD4 lymphocytes are below 200 cells/mm 3 ) is common in HIV patients. When CD4 lymphocytes are below 200 cells/mm 3 , patients with T cell depletion have increased susceptibility to fungal infections. 15, 16 It has been reported that SARS-CoV directly infects monocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes in human. 17 The PLD may also be secondary to activation of T lymphocytes. 18 Our findings showed that CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes have significant difference (p < 0.01) between mild (Non-ICU) and severe or critical (ICU) cases without glucocorticoid treatment indicating COVID-19 directly effected on immune system is possible.