An Aberrant Immune–Epithelial Progenitor Niche Drives Viral Lung Sequelae

Harish Narasimhan, PhD, will present the recently published Nature article investigating long-term consequences of COVID-19 by establishing a mouse model of post-viral lung disease. Using this mouse model, they identified an aberrant immune–epithelial progenitor niche unique to fibroproliferation in respiratory post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). They found lung-resident CD8⁺ T cell–macrophage interactions as critical interactions for impairing alveolar regeneration and driving fibrotic sequelae after acute viral pneumonia. They also discuss important avenues of therapies for patients with long-term post-viral disease. Following the presentation, there will be a panel discussion from experts in the field.