Long-Term Changes in Gene Activity in Immune Cells of Severe COVID-19 Survivors Show Cancer-Related Patterns and Key Genes

A sustained pro-oncogenic molecular signature was identified in severe COVID-19 patients' blood cells one year post-infection.

• Differential gene expression analysis showed significant changes in gene activity among severe COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls and those with mild infections.
• Cancer-associated pathways related to cell death, viral-induced cancer, and gene regulatory processes were notably enriched in severe COVID-19 patients.
• The autophagy-related gene SQSTM1/P62 was identified as a key hub gene in severe COVID-19 patients, interacting with genes linked to inflammation and cancer progression.
• Higher expression of specific hub genes associated with COVID-19 was correlated with worse outcomes in various cancer types, including bladder and brain cancers.
• Severe COVID-19 infection may create a systemic environment that supports cancer development or recurrence, suggesting the need for ongoing cancer monitoring in affected individuals.

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