Applying imaging mass spectrometry to define the N-glycan profiles of co-localized virus and immune cell infiltrates in post-COVID-19 infected lung autopsy tissues

The current COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by a broad range of disease severity in patients. This diversity clinical manifestations has complicated our understanding the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and highlights significance an individual’s ability to mount effective viral immune response. Glycosylation common post-translational modification occurring complex organisms imperative for cell function. In this study, combination approach with immunohistochemistry (IHC) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) was utilized determine spatial distribution N -glycans populations lung tissues. Tissues from seven SARS-CoV-2, PCR + donors were analyzed. represented spectrum time spent on ventilators which reflected their respective infection status pathologies. -glycan distributions MALDI-IMS images then correlated H&E staining IHC spike protein, CD4, CD8, CD163 CD11b. Distinct shared signatures identified association specific types, co-localization protein. Additionally, we observed unique patterns α2,3-linked α2,6-linked sialic acid glycans that associated both fibrotic regions within tissue architecture. tool further understand tissue-localized response emerging pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2.