Temporal omics analysis in Syrian hamsters unravel cellular effector responses to moderate COVID-19

Abstract In COVID-19, immune responses are key in determining disease severity. However, cellular mechanisms at the onset of inflammatory lung injury SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly involving endothelial cells, remain ill-defined. Using Syrian hamsters as a model for moderate we conduct detailed longitudinal analysis systemic and pulmonary responses, corroborate it with datasets from COVID-19 patients. Monocyte-derived macrophages lungs exert earliest strongest transcriptional response to including induction pro-inflammatory genes, while epithelial cells show weak alterations. Without evidence productive react, depending on cell subtypes, by strong early expression anti-viral, pro-inflammatory, T recruiting genes. Recruitment cytotoxic well emergence IgM antibodies precede viral clearance day 5 post infection. Investigating infected thus identifies type-specific effector functions, providing insights into pathomechanisms informing therapeutic strategies.