Expression profiling by high throughput sequencing
Summary
The vast majority of SARS-CoV-2 infections are uncomplicated and do not require hospitalization, but these infections contribute to ongoing transmission. There remains a critical need to identify host immune biomarkers predictive of virologic and clinical outcomes in planning future treatment studies of COVID-19. We recently completed a randomized clinical trial of Pegylated PegIinterferon Lambda for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients conducted in the Stanford COVID-19 CTRU. Leveraging longitudinal samples and data from this trial, we define early immunebaseline and infection-induced signatures that predict the duration of viral shedding, resolution of symptoms, and immunologic memory.
Overall design
We recruited 108 subjects between age 18 to 75 who are PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. The subjects were randomized to receive a single dose of Peginterferon Lambda or placebo at their first visit (day 0). In-person follow-up visits were conducted on Day 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28, with the assessment of symptoms and vitals and collection of oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing. To profile the immune response in the COVID-19 patients, we conducted RNA-sequencing assays using blood samples collected at day 0 and day 5 after enrollment.