Elevated HSP70 and HSP90 as Predictive Markers of Immune Activation and Lung Injury in SARS-COV-2 Disease

• Published in: Iranian journal of immunology 2023-09, Vol.20 (3), p.368-373
• Main Authors: Zangeneh, Zivar, Khamisipour, Gholamreza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: C-Reactive Protein; Cell activation; Cellular stress response; Computed tomography; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Creatine; Creatine kinase; Cytokine storm; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Heat shock proteins; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Hsp70 protein; Hsp90 protein; Humans; Immune response; Inflammation; L-Lactate dehydrogenase; Lung diseases; Lung Injury; pulmonary; SARS-CoV-2; Serum levels; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• ISSN: 1735-1383; 1735-367X; 1735-367X
• DOI: 10.22034/iji.2023.97202.2488

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, especially inflammatory responses due to immune cell activation. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was one of the most important causes of death in the recent pandemic. Increased cellular stress and excessive inflammation are common in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), although the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. To evaluate the relationship between HSP and the pathological effects of COVID-19. A group of 107 patients was categorized to two populations (mild and severe) based on their chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) results. The HSP70, HSP90 alpha, and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were measured by the automated analyzer. Our data showed increased levels of HSP70 and HSP90 in patients with COVID-19. The HSPs levels were elevated in the severe group compared to the mild group. This study demonstrated a positive correlation between both elevated levels of HSP70, HSP90, and HRCT grade and also a positive correlation with CRP and CPK in the severe group. HSP90 and HSP70 contribute to excessive immune responses and cytokine storms. They may serve as prognostic serum markers for COVID-19 lung injury. Additionally, they are candidates for anti-inflammatory therapy.