scRNA-seq reveals persistent aberrant differentiation of nasal epithelium driven by TNF

Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) affects approximately 3-17% of individuals following acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and poses a potential global health burden. While improved assessment strategies are emerging, mechanistic insights and treatment options remain limited. This study investigates molecular mechanisms underlying PCS using single-cell RNA (scRNA) transcriptomics combined with in vitro validation. scRNA analysis is performed on nasal biopsies from 25 patients with moderate or severe PCS to investigate differential cell types, signalling pathways, and cell-cell communication. Air-liquid interface cultures are used to validate findings, focusing on the TNF

• Reddy, K. D.
• Maluje, Y.
• Ott, F.
• Saurabh, R.
• Schaaf, A.
• Bohnhorst, A.
• Biedermann, S. B.
• Pierstorf, J.
• Winkelmann, S.
• Voß, B.
• Laudien, M.
• Bahmer, T.
• Heyckendorf, J.
• Brinkmann, F.
• Schreiber, S.
• Lieb, W.
• Jakwerth, C. A.
• Schmidt-Weber, C. B.
• Hansen, G.
• von Mutius, E.
• Rabe, K. F.
• Dittrich, A. M.
• Maison, N.
• Schaub, B.
• Kopp, M. V.
• Busch, H.
• Weckmann, M.
• Fähnrich, A.