Cytokines dynamics and biological sex differences in SARS-CoV-2 infected people in Cameroon

Abstract

Cytokine storm can result from uncontrolled pro-inflammatory cytokines released in SARS-CoV-2 infection that cause damage to several organs. Il-6 is one of the major mediators of cytokine storm. IFN-α2 has been reported to have anti-viral potential and the pre-infection levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been suggested to drive the fate of the disease. There is a paucity of information on how anti-viral cytokines at the onset of infection affect the disease progression. This study aims to profile IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-α2 expression levels for 44 days post-diagnosis and their effects on recovery. Peripheral venous blood was collected from 38 SARS-CoV-2 infected participants who came for diagnosis at the Centre for Research on Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases. IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-α2 levels were measured using a Luminex panel. Males had higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load than females, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Age-related variation was also observed, with individuals aged 40-60 showing significantly higher viral load than those over 60 (P = 0.045). Cytokines analysis revealed that males had significantly higher levels of IFNα-2, IL-2, and IL-6 (P = 0.0031, P = 0.009, and P = 0.022 respectively) than females upon diagnosis, with cytokines levels decreasing over time in males but increasing in females. Cytokine levels trended higher in symptomatic individuals, although differences were not significant. These findings highlight the influence of sex, clinical status, and viral load on cytokine dynamics in COVID-19, with potential implications for understanding disease severity and immune response.