CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells are required to prevent SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the nasal compartment.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the generation of virus-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ effector and memory T cells. However, the contribution of T cells in controlling SARS-CoV-2 during infection is not well understood. Following infection of C57BL/6 mice, SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells are recruited to the respiratory tract, and a vast proportion secrete the cytotoxic molecule granzyme B. Using depleting antibodies, we found that T cells within the lungs play a minimal role in viral control, and viral clearance occurs in the absence of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells through 28 days postinfection. In the nasal compartment, depletion of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, but not individually, results in persistent, culturable virus replicating in the nasal epithelial layer through 28 days postinfection. Viral sequencing analysis revealed adapted mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including a large deletion in ORF6. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of T cells in controlling virus replication within the respiratory tract during SARS-CoV-2 infection.