Easily-detected biomarker predicts clinical progression of COVID-19, respiratory outcomes

Researchers at the University of Rome Tor Vergata have demonstrated for the first time an elevated expression of the HERV-W ENV protein in the blood cells of COVID-19 patients, particularly in T-lymphocytes, important cells of the immune response against viruses and bacteria. In COVID-19 patients, the protein was correlated to inflammation and alteration of the activation and exhaustion of the immune response.